Question:
Does BCBS Blue Choice HMO approve Open Rny with Fobi Pouch?

I've recently seen my doctor to start insurance approval. I got the feeling from him my insurance might approve the Open RNY, but not the Open RNY with the Fobi Pouch. The State of Georgia signed into law Senate Bill 24, "Morbid Obesity Anti-discrimination Act", which states all health benefits delivered, issued or executed or renewed in this state or approved for issuance or renewnal in this state by the Commissioner on or after July 1, 1999, which provides major medical benefits may offer coverage for the treatment of morbid obesity. This also applies to the States care of the indigent and state employees, through Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid, I know has paid for the same procedure I am wanting. Should I be discriminated against because my husband pays our insurance preminums, or that I don't work for the state, or that I don't happen to be an indigent. It seems the law the state passed is working for some people as it seems the state feels their employees and people who need assistance should have this surgery? Why doesn't the state feel the same way about those that pay preminums at the jobs they work or those that have private insurance? The law should read shall offer, rather than may offer, this would protect the rights, health and welfare of all the people of Georgia who so desparately need this surgery. If you feel the same way contact your Represenatives and your Senators, let them know that Senate Bill 24 needs to be reintroduced. Senator Nadine Thomas of the 10th, originally got this bill off the ground, with it stating insurance companies "shall cover treatment", but it got watered down in subcommittee and passed in the form of "may offer coverage". GEORGIANS WHO NEED HELP GETTING SURGERY FOR MORBID OBESITY, LET YOUR VOICES BE HEARD. WE NEED TO STOP BEING TREATED LIKE SECOND CLASS CITIZENS, WE'RE THE VERY LAST SECTION OF SOCIETY WHERE PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION EXIST. RACE, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY ARE UNDER PROTECTION, BUT WE THE "SILENT MAJORITY" ARE NOT PROTECTED. READ THIS SENATE BILL AT, www.legis.state.ga.us/Legis/1999_00/leg/fulltext/sb24.htm, WE HAVE A VOICE IN GOVERNMENT, LET'S UNITE AND US IT.    — tinyjo (posted on February 28, 2002)

February 28, 2002
u better check with dr fobi's office to see if they even accept ur insurance. i have bc/bs ppo federal plan which is a top of the line bc/bs policy & he doesnt accept it. i dont think he is a bc perferred physician. he wanted mucho bucks up front to do my surgery. i found a surgeon who is a bc preferred dr & got a fobi pouch anyway.
   — sheryl titone

February 28, 2002
I'm sorry I didn't make myself clear on my doctor. I live in Griffin, GA, I'm seeing Dr. Kermie L. Robinson in Conyers, GA. If anyone covered by my insurance, BCBS Healthcare of Georgia, Blue Choice Option HMO, has had this surgery approved by them without a hassle, please let me know.
   — tinyjo

March 6, 2002
There are at least 50 Drs. who do the Fobi pouch RNY. I have been researching the Fobi procedure and have talked to several people who currently have one and have searched this site for information on the Fobi. I have not seen anyone who said anything about being refused WLS because they wished to have the Fobi. The Fobi does need to be placed under an open surgery. Since the open surgery is actually less expensive then the laproscopic surgery I doubt if insurance would have a problem with the Fobi.
   — blong