Question:
**Anyone switched to BC/BS?**

My employer provided ins does not cover WLS. Looking into to switching to BC/BS of IL-my surgeon has had MANY pts undergo WLS covered by BC/BS. Anyone independently changed ins.? Planned for surg 12/02--is this realistic to think I can change to new ins. & have surg that soon? thx for any advice!!**    — Lisa W. (posted on October 6, 2002)

October 6, 2002
If you are able to change to BC/BS of ill. I highly reccomend it. I used the same insurance for my surgery Lap RNY on 9-16-02 and let me tell you, my bill was over 41,000.00 and my cost out of pocket was only 165 bucks!!! They approved my surgery in a matter of days.It was less then 2 month from my initial visit to my actual surgery. The BC/BS I had was an HMO. Hope this helps!
   — Vicki M F.

October 6, 2002
hi there. i cant tell you how long it would take being that you are going to switch insurances but ill tell you that i too had bcbs of illinois and after seeing the movie john q and just knowing the bad rep that hmo has i figured i wouldnt have a snowballs chance in hell of getting approved but its with much happiness that ill tell you i had not one problem. i called my pcp a couple days before thanks giving.she told me she was for me having wls and after the holiday she had my referal for dr batty waiting. i was able to get in to see him on dec 14. after that there were pre op tests he wanted me to go through and after he got results he would then decide if i was a candidate then he along with my pcp would shoot for approval. well they both got a letter off to hmo and within 1 week i was approved with no hassles what so ever! i sceduled my surgery the day i knew i was approved and i was able to have it 2 weeks after that day , so my process went smooth and fast and for that im very greatful as i knew id be running out of time because my company was soon moving to china and i knew at any given moment i could be out of insurance so needless to say im very shocked they didnt stall me out or anything like that. my cousin also has bcbs, same medical group and everything but hers came back denied and she freaked but all it really was is her pcp didnt submit enough information but as soon as that was submitted she had been aproved by the next day so if this happens to you dont panic maybe thats all it is. best of luck to you! carrie in illinois
   — carrie M.

October 6, 2002
I hope you are able to switch to BCBS of IL. They have the best customer service department I have ever encountered. The people were very helpful and friendly and they did exactly what they said (that's rare). I would say, as long as you can get your medical necessity letter to them as soon as you have coverage, you should be OK. They approve really quickly. Good luck.
   — Kathy S.