Question:
Has anyone ever tried to get BCBS or their own personal insurance to

pay for your vitamins and supplements? Ut seems to me that since this is what we will have to do for the rest of our lives, that our insurance would "absorb" a certain percentage of the cost. Reason being, with WLS there is a possibility of deficiencies and we could potentilly be exposed to malnutrition IF we don't take these DAILY. You and I both know how expensive our Stuff costs. Can we save the receipts and perhaps submit them anyway? My doctor says I should. Have any of you ever tried? What do you think? What should I do?    — yourdivaness (posted on March 7, 2003)

March 7, 2003
What a great idea! Your right, we need this for our health. I have BCBS, and I can tell you that they won't pay for my B-12 shots. Hmmmm...however, if these things can be bought over the counter, they may not support it. For instance, I take claritin for allergies, and used toget insurance to pay for it-not anymore, now that it is available over the counter, I have to pay out of pocket.
   — Cindy R.

March 7, 2003
I am still Pre-Op, but I would think if your doctor writes a script for you for vitamins (like they do for pre-natal vitamins) your insurance company should allow that. I can't say for sure if they will, but it never hurts to Try!
   — preop_wendyd

March 7, 2003
I haven't checked with BCBS on covering those charges but I did talk to the IRS about being able to use these expenses as part of my medical spending $'s. The IRS rules says that over the counter expenses cannot be used. After talking to an agent there though, she thought that if I could prove (if ever necessary) that these were medically necessary expenses then she didn't think that I would have a problem. My employer said that all I need to submit to them is something from the doctor stating that it is medically necessary for me to take the vitamins. Now I can submit my receipts for the vitamins and get reimbursed from my before tax medical spending account for these purchases.
   — Judy R.