Question:
bc/bs value care

I called my insurance company ( Regence Bluecross/Blueshields Valuecare of Utah) and they told my that this was a definate exclusion. I was told that I could appeal but my doctor said that they probably will ignore my appeal. Has anyone had any success with appeals for the valuecare plan? I firmly believe that anyone who has had or wants to have this surgery need to contact their Senators and rally for their support to make insurance companies pay for this life saving surgery.    — sd_harker (posted on January 21, 2003)

January 21, 2003
Don't take what anyone tells you as the final answer. The insurance is hoping you won't pursue it. I would ask them to tell you where in your booklet it clealry says that WLS for morbidly obese people is not covered. Even if they are able to give you that I would still get a good letter of medical necessity from your doctor and submit anyway. If denied, appeal. Do not take this lying down. They can not legally ignore your written request. They must respond in writing. If you appeal in writing, they must respond in writing. So don't let anyone talk you out of going forward and pushing hard. Worst you will find out is that they won't pay for it no matter what, but that's no different place than you are now. You may just find if the right buttons are pushed it may get approved. Good Luck!
   — zoedogcbr