Question:
Does anybody have BCBS of Illinois?

Our company was just bought out by ADM and was wondering how long it usually takes to get an answer back from the insurance.    — rose S. (posted on January 26, 2003)

January 26, 2003
I had BCBS of Ill PPO and had no problems getting approved. I think it took around a week, not long at all. They didnt require I have documentation of diets or anything like that. It was rather easy to get approved. If you have any questions, feel free to email me
   — Brandy Y.

January 26, 2003
hi there :) at the time of my surgery, i had bcbs of il hmo and they were terrific about it! :) i began my research right before thanksgivng 02. called pcp to shoot for referal to see surgeon, got that by the saturday after thanksgiving. was able to see surgeon for consult dec 14. had preop tests done and by feb 8 02 i had my open rny. i waited 1 week for approval after the request was submitted to my insurance. it went very fast and i never had any dealings in it, it was all handled by the doctors, medical group and insurance. best of luck to you. :)
   — carrie M.

January 26, 2003
I have BCBS PPO Plus. My paperwork was submitted on the 14th of Jan and as of friday is not yet done. I have no reason to believe there would be a problem as others at my work have had this done with the same surgeons and were covered.
   — Nancy Jean S.

January 26, 2003
hi ~ i have BC/BS ppo of illinois... no problem with approval, BUT ~~~~ make sure you have your pre-op testing pre-approved. this can add up to alot of $$, and this is one of the loop holes the insurance companies like to jump thru. either have your surgeon's office get pre-approval for pre-op tests, or do it yourself, and get it in writing. some surgeon's offices will do this, some won't... but this is the surgeon that's requiring these tests. my surgeon's office notified the BC/BS for my pre-ops. i had open rny on 12-2-02, and the bills are just now starting to trickle in. so far so good... mostly just co-pay's that i owe. also remember that BC/BS ppo of illlinois is not the same for every policy holder. the company that provides you with this insurance can custom cut the policy however they wish. what works for one BC/BS member may not be the same for another member working for a different company. good luck :o)
   — Karen D.

January 26, 2003
I have BC/BS HMO, and it only took about 2 weeks to get approved. good luck! Kristy 12/3/02 -35 lbs
   — Kristy L.

January 27, 2003
I have BCBS/HMO-IL. My surery was approved in May of 2002 for surgery on 06/20/2002. It took less than 4 hours to get approval. Then, in December of 2002, my DH received similar quick approval (less than a day) to have surgery on 02/12/2003. Much of the approval process, i.e., how long it takes, what extra specialist visits and testing is required, is largely dependent upon your medical group's requirements, not BCBS.
   — [Deactivated Member]