Has anyone been approved or denied for Lap Band with the BCBS Fed insurance plan? I've had a couple of doctors tell me that they won't pay for it. I've also heard that they don't pre-approve and I'm wondering if that is the mix up. Thank you!

My personal recollection is that I believe that Fed BCBS will not pay for the LapBand; however repoertedly Walter Lindstrom, an attorney specializing in obesity discrimination, has represented a client/patient and got Fed BCBS to pay for it and the hope is that all patients with Fed BCBS nationwide will be eligible for Lap Band.

Walter is an interesting guy, having had first the gastric bypass, and then the Lap Band, and I have heard him speak at a few conferences. (Not too many lawyers get invited to medical conferences!)

From his website at www.obesitylaw.com :

"A bariatric surgery patient himself (both gastric bypass and Lap-Band®) and personally having experienced the discrimination, physical and emotional pain of being morbidly obese, and now considering himself an "obese person in remission," and carries an empathy and passion to his representation that no advocate can share with regard to obese and morbidly obese clients. His personal battle to obtain insurance coverage for his treatment, combined with his extensive experience as an insurance law expert, make him the best qualified and most passionate advocate for those persons suffering from obesity and morbid obesity."

Thank you Dr. Hekier - I received a letter today from BCBS that stated they do not cover the LapBand procedure - your post will help if I decide to continue in that direction.

You could try to call Walter Lindstrom and see what he says. Your case may be easier to handle if he has one success against Fed BCBS already.

Thanks Dr. Heikier. I have federal Health American HMO. They will not pay for my lapband scheduled for 1 Dec 05. I have already contacted Mr. Lindstrom through his website and plan on fighting Health Americans denial.

This site is just wonderful!

Open Season

GEHA covers the lap band with 6 months diet and exercise plan. You and email them and get the info.