Question:
I was informed today by my Dr.'s office that BCBS Federal Employees Program no longer

preapproved the Gastric Bypass Surgery. Has anyone else gotten this information?? HELP!!!!!    — Donna H. (posted on June 16, 2000)

June 16, 2000
Donna, if I am not mistaken as of July 1st WLS is, by law, to be covered by all insurance companies in the State of Virgina. This could very well be the reason you don't need a preapproval for the surgery. I would check with your benefits administrator to find out for sure. But I do know that the legislation passed and the law is become effective July 1, 2000. Good Luck....
   — Marni

June 16, 2000
Hi Donna. I'm in Michigan and as of 2/27/00 BCBS stopped PRE- approval for WLS. I stress the pre. It's a "get it done and pray" that they pay. Well..... I took the chance and am very happy to report that as of two days ago, I recieved my BCBS statement showing that they had paid for the surgery!!!!!!! No questions, no problems.... Hope you have the same success!
   — Cindi W.

June 16, 2000
I have bC/BS Federal and I had my surgery in April My surgery was approved in February. It only took a few days. You might call your BC/BS representaive in your state to see what is required. I know that the way it was written in the BC/BS manual my doctor had to send a letter, check with BC/BS there's a number on the back of your card.
   — ann A.

June 16, 2000
Hi Donna, I got the same response from BC/BS FEP. It depends on which state you are in. I live in WA and they started that in January of this year. You may want to consider having your surgery in another state. I am having surgery in CA partly for that reason. I would call your representative and find out. Pam Kelley
   — Pamela J. K.

June 16, 2000
I have BCBS Federal also (Live in TN, work in KY) and I had no problem with approval. I was approved in 5 days. My surgery was 2 months ago on 4/10/00. Wish you luck
   — Alicia B.