Question:
Anyone Have BCBS of MN with pre-existing condition clause approval???

Hello! My husband and I are both interested in the surgery and are in the early stages of getting informaiton on approval. We contacted BCBS of MN (we live in SC, but hubby's company uses BCBS of MN) and they said it is not an exclusion. However, when I asked about the "pre-existing" clause listed on our contract currently (it will be up in July) they stated it shouldnb't be considered as a part of the clause then gave me the song and dance number (ya'll know what I'm tlaking about). Anyone with a pre-existing condition clause (b/c you are a new member) had problems getting the surgery approved? If so...or if not, what has been your experience?    — Kerryanne H. (posted on March 28, 2003)

March 28, 2003
I live in Oregon but have insurance through BCBS of MN. I was approved for my WLS in less than 24 hours. I suppose each employer who buys insurance through BCBS of MN have different policies though. My Employer is US Bank and I the policy type is Standard Managed Care PPO. I've only been employed with US Bank since December of 2002 and my insurance coverage began 1/1/03, so I don't think there was any time of pre-existing condition clause or anything. Every time I've called customer service there, they've been really nice and helpful. Good luck!
   — J. Wilkinson

March 28, 2003
I too have BCBS of MN and live in Iowa. (My employer is Pearson Education) I actually switched from an HMO my employer offered to the BCBS of MN plan just because they seemed to have less restrictions on WLS surgery. I asked about pre-existing conditions before I made the switch and was told that as long as I had continuous insurance coverage (no gaps without insurance) they can not exlude pre-existing conditions. I am not sure if that is a BCBS rule or an Iowa rule. BTW, I was approved in 2 days. I have a BMI of 42 with few co-morbids. Good Luck! - Janine
   — jmusser

March 28, 2003
The pre-existing conditions clause that the previous poster mentioned is a federal law, so that shouldn't be any problem. If you've had coverage within the preceding 63 days, they can't use any pre-existing conditions clauses against you. You may also have to have had insurance for at least a year when you switch. Not sure about that. However, the law is called HIPPA, Health Insurance Portability and ? Act, so you could go to the federal government website and look it up.
   — garw

March 28, 2003
I will have BCBS of MN in 3 mos. with a new job. Everyones quick approvals is making me happy!! What can I do to prepare for the approval process? My BMI is 47, and I have little co0morbids.
   — Shannon D.