Question:
Are there any insurance's in Washington State that will do this surgery?

My husband and I both work for the state. All of the insurance options that are open to us have exclusions in the policies, although most do have a statement about "individual case management" where it says if medically necessary and cost beneficial the insurance company can substitute benefits. Does anyone know of any that eventually approve the surgery? We are willing to work hard to gain approval, but are coming up on open enrollment soon and want to make a wise choice. Any comments appreciated!    — [Anonymous] (posted on September 26, 1999)

October 24, 1999
I'm in the same boat in WA, open enrollment is almost here. I call the Health Authority and they said none of the insurances were open to this surgery. Please share anything you might find out, please, I'm desperate for this surgery. I'm diabetic, 100 lbs overweight and very depressed. I know of others that have had this surgery that work for the state, but her husband's insurance paid for them to have it. Please reply. [email protected] - iris
   — iris J.

October 25, 1999
My case is not average because I work for Boeing and they may have a special plan with the insurance company, but the Traditional Plan - administered by Regence BlueShield - covers the surgery 100% if you can prove medical necessity. They require 5 years of obesity and proof of other efforts to lose weight.
   — Valerie J.

March 29, 2001
I live in WA state and we have Group Health NW and they are approving this surgery as long as it is medically neccessary. I have not got the referral yet but I know a lot of women who have had it done through Group Health. I hope this helps you.
   — Jennette C.