Question:
Blue Cross wont cover surgery after January 04?

I keep hearing this rumor that starting in Jan 2004 Blue Cross will be demanding 6 months of Dr supervised diet attempts before approval will be considered. I have Blue Cross Pers Choice Basic PPO. Anyone else pre-op w/this insurance concerned?    — Renee G. (posted on November 21, 2003)

November 20, 2003
I also heard this rumor. I have FED BCBS and I called BC to ask and was told that for us no charges are on the books. I suggest you call your BC and ask.
   — Vitabella

November 20, 2003
I went to a consultation with a friend of mine two days ago and the doctor there said that yes, that information about BC/BS was true! She said that if you have that insurance you will have trouble after the first of the year if you don't have the 6 months in first :(
   — TracyInTheZoo

November 20, 2003
I just finished approving the benefits for our Company for 2004 and did not find this to be true however I was quoted a lower price if I excluded this procedure from our policy. I believe many insurance companies are making adjustments as there has been a 30% premium increase industry wide.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 21, 2003
Every year at the end of the year someone, if not many people post a question stating that they heard X company wont be covering surgery after the first of the year. Some companies may be excluding it, some may be adding it. But to say a big blanket statement like X company....just isnt how insurance works. Be concerned about YOUR policy, it is different than every other policy out there. Becky 10/01 265/135
   — RebeccaP

November 21, 2003
I had BCBS PPO Community and I was acquired to have 12 months at least or more of doctor supervised dieting 18 months postop at goal > 230 -102
   — charanewme

November 21, 2003
The nurse that handles insurance at my docs office said that BCBS is in fact going to require 5 years of "documented medically supervised weight loss attempts". I have BCBS and had my RNY done 10/13... and had to fight them for months to get approved. Sorry for the bad news.
   — Michelle S.