mobroke

Hello all!
I was wondering what insurance in Arkansas covers weight loss surgery? I do have Arkansas Works through Blue Cross Blue Shield, which is funded by Arkansas Medicaid.
I’ve been told by different hospitals that it doesn’t cover weight loss surgery. But I also chose this plan because I was told over the phone it paid for the vertical sleeve.
I’ve researched a million different types of insurance, and been told a million different things. I fit all the criteria, and have the weight loss attempts documented. I’ve seen a therapist, nutritionist, and have a letter from a surgeon saying I could benefit from the surgery, which is all the conditions of BCBS. I’ve damn near had a surgery date set a handful of times, waiting on insurance approval but every time they say it’s excluded in my plan, and it’s upsetting because I begin the process being told it does cover. Pay out of pocket for other stuff, and get excited thinking it’ll be different this time.
For the last 3 years, I’ve chosen insurance based on the coverage for bariatric surgery, then once I’m locked in to a plan and they tell me to go ahead and jump through all these hoops to make sure I fit the criteria while I wait for approval, I’m told differently and I’m disappointed.
I’m getting a little upset!

Mobroke, I had my insurance - UHC - also say it was excluded after initially telling me and the doctor’s office that it was covered! I am waiting for Blossom to schedule my surgery now. My doctor’s office was excited for me, so I feel more confident about this.

Hi! I was sleeved at Blossom on December 23. It was a really great experience for me. I too had insurance issues - it would only cover half after the deductible, tons of hoops to jump through, etc. If you qualify for the fast track safe sleeve, yes the price they quote you is all you have to pay. But you do have to have insurance as they will use out of network benefits for some of the things they do. They will go over all of it before you sign up. I too was a little worried because there are a few reviews that mention billing issues. I had no problem. They really take care of you from the time you arrive to the time you leave. I couldn't recommend them more.

Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello all!
I’ve been going through this journey for a painstakingly long amount of time! I’ve been trying to get the gastric sleeve surgery for years. My old insurance started off telling me they do cover the procedure, so I went 6 months into the process for the program coordinator at the hospital to call me last minute and tell me that it was not in fact covered under my insurance. So at the beginning of this year when it was time to choose a new policy, I specifically picked one that would cover it. I even called to confirm. BUT! When I received the updated overview of coverage for 2020, they had JUST amended the policy to exclude bariatric surgery. How crummy?!?
So since I cannot win, and insurance companies do not want to play nice, does anyone recommend or has had surgery at Blossom Bariatrics in NV? I’ve read testimonials but only from their website and YouTube page. I wanna hear from an actual patient, so I know it’s not all fluff.
Their website also states their doing $6K pricing right now. So is that everything? Even without insurance?
If anyone has any insights, and can tell me if it’s legitimate. Please let me know!!
Thank you all!