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Dear Escape Pod, I wanted to ask you what insurance companys seem to be paying for WLS. Thank you Searching

Thank you escape pod. I am calling my insurance broker today and requesting the letter. She sent me a print out from the insurance company siting the rules from my policy to qualify for the band or the other surgerys but I will try for more from her. Also my daughter in law reminded me there are many bariatric surgeons so just keep trying until I find one that will help. Sincerely, Searching

05/13/20012 Happy Mothers Day to All, I would like Washington people to let me know, (If you would please), if anyone was able to get their insurance to pay for their WLS whether it be a sleeve, band, or other. I have went to two seminars now and I have been told the same story that WLS is not included in my plan yet my broker tells me differant. What is the truth? Has anybodies insurance such as Regence, Blue Cross, United, and/or ect payed for WLS? Or is it the surgeons that don't want to put up with the insurance companies? Any information that you would share would be so much appreciated. I am getting discussed with the run around. I bet thats why people leave our state. No insurance pay out and the surgeries are cheaper elsewhere. Searching

Hi Washington Sleevers, I am wondering if there is anyone in our state that has been able to get their insurance to pay for there surgery. Whether its been Regence, United or what have you. Or is it that the Doctors don't want to use the insurance as they can make more money if you pay on your own. I am not making a judgement call I just want the truth of the matter. It easier to deal with the truth and theres not so much of: wasting our time also. We all are busy too! What WLS Center seems to be the most popular in or state? Seems that center would be the best place to go. Thank you, Searching

5/3/2012 Hi Again sdb1147, Yes, it is confusing. I heard of a person from washington traveling to another state as medicare would pay for their band if they went to another state! Truely confusing. Sincerely, Reaching for the stars

Hi Sdb1147, I am just starting my serious journey on the insurance topic also. I went to the seminar at the Swedish and I was kind of disappointed with them as they relyed back that I did not elect to have WLS in my insurance package. Then I heard another person tell me they were told the same thing. Confusing as no one ask me one way or the other when I bought my coverage. I am not yet, so sure, that they pay for the sleeve either as it hasn't yet been FDA approved where as the band has. So I am where you are except I am dealing with Regence. It is my understanding that medicare writes the rules and the insurance companys follow suit. Medicare has a web site is is: www.medicare.gov and there office in Seattle phone # is: 1-206-615-2313 or 1-800-633-4227. Maybe they will tell you what to do. There has to be many people out there in Washington that maybe could help us with this issue. So please experiance sleevers help us through the horrible insurance maze with information. :wub: Any information regarding the truth of the matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so very much. We will be looking forward to your rely. Sincerely, Reaching for the Stars

Mini- Me I will check them out too. Searching

Thank you too Ceci I just realized I had three posts. There is a seminar on August 16, 2011 at the Edmonds Puget Sound Surgery Center. I plan to attend. Thans again all of you. Searching

Thank you 2BMINI MOMMY and MINI -ME for your replies. MINI-ME.......Did you live in Las Vegas? 2BMINI MOMMY, I will check out the surgery center you suggested. I freind of mine had his lap band done there and likes them alot. Searching

Hello, Glad to see a group from Washington. I have lived here most of my life. I would love to know where you had your surgeries and who you would recommend. As I said in my intro message I may have to go to Mexico but would rather stay home. I checked out the Swedish in Seattle and it was $ 20,000.00 for the Sleeve. I have Regence and they won't pay for any WLS. In my opinion they are very difficult. They are not going to pay for any cosmetic procedures. My BMI is 40.9 don't think thats the issue! Thank you. Searching

8/2/2011 I am new to the site. I am here to learn as much as I can about the sleeve. I have not had surgery yet. I am still investigating so to speak. I really want to be sure before I leap. The sleeve interests me more so than the band because the band seems more constricted on what you can eat. I am not concerned with the amount of food because I have been eating way too much and of course that is what contributed to my weight problem in the first place. Several people who I have talked to have wished that they had got the sleeve instead of the lapband. Also, I am considering Mexico for my Surgery but I am apprehensive about it. The reason for Mexico is the cost. If I could have it here where I live I would like that but my last quote was $ 20,000.00. I have Regence Insurance and I was told it will be very hard to get coverage for any kind of WLS. It would be nice if they would come to the 20th Century! It will be nice to take part in this forum and anything you would like to tell me will be much appreciated. Thank you Searching