My doctor is sending the letter to insurance today for approval. I have Excellus BCBS. Is it true it takes almost 6 weeks to get a reply? How long did it take everyone to hear from the insurance company?

Thanks!

My insurance company said up to 30 days but it only took them 8 to approve me.

I have Anthem BCBS, my paperwork was sent in on Wed. 7/21 and I received my approval letter dated Thurs 7/22 on 7/26! Very impressed with Anthem! I was told it could take weeks too but if they have all that they need, it's much quicker. I was so worried and it ended up being easier than I expected.

Thank you so much. That makes me feel better! I have all sollid documentation so i hope i get my approval soon! I can't wait!

I was worried too because my BMI wasn't 40, but as long as you have documented comorbidities, it should be fine! What we all have is a disease, it doesn't matter if your BMI is 50 or 35, it's just not healthy. We all just want to enjoy our lives! Let us know how it goes! It's a long process, but I can't even believe I'm on the pre-op diet!

I was worried too because my BMI wasn't 40, but as long as you have documented comorbidities, it should be fine! What we all have is a disease, it doesn't matter if your BMI is 50 or 35, it's just not healthy. We all just want to enjoy our lives! Let us know how it goes! It's a long process, but I can't even believe I'm on the pre-op diet!

That is why I am worried....my BMI wasn't 40, but I have a list of comomorbidities a mile long, which are documented. I don't see why my insurance company wouldn't approve since I meet the requirements, but I guess you never know with insurance companies. I eagerly awai the newst!

My BMI was 35.8 when it was submitted and I was so nervous that they would not approve it. I too have a laundry list of illnesses. I have not told anyone except my husband that I am having the surgery. I don't feel guilty about keeping it to myself, I think it's a personal choice. Hopefully the weight comes off slowly and I can just say that I'm doing my "small plate diet" (which is just using a salad plate and I lost 60 lbs in the past but gained it back...this time I won't!) I think my friends would be supportive, but I also don't want anyone telling me it was the wrong decision or telling me horror stories. I think it's a huge decision that I haven't taken lightly, I have taken 6 months to learn all that I can, and it's definitely not the easy way out.

My BMI was 35.8 when it was submitted and I was so nervous that they would not approve it. I too have a laundry list of illnesses. I have not told anyone except my husband that I am having the surgery. I don't feel guilty about keeping it to myself, I think it's a personal choice. Hopefully the weight comes off slowly and I can just say that I'm doing my "small plate diet" (which is just using a salad plate and I lost 60 lbs in the past but gained it back...this time I won't!) I think my friends would be supportive, but I also don't want anyone telling me it was the wrong decision or telling me horror stories. I think it's a huge decision that I haven't taken lightly, I have taken 6 months to learn all that I can, and it's definitely not the easy way out.

Obviously, my husband knows and he has been my biggest supporter and biggest fan. I told my two closest friends, and decided I would tell my immediate family, but the responses haven't always been supportive or positive. I agree with not telling anyone and I wish that I didn't tell a few people. This is a huge decision and anyone who hasn't been through what we have does think it is the easy way out. I am sick of people's opinions quite honestly. I should have done this only with my husband, but it is too late now.

I started thinking about this one year ago and decided to start the process in January. I initially had doubts but as the year progessed and the worse my health was getting I know I made the best decision of my life. I am moving forward and not looking back. I am 100 % ready and am totally positive and do not want negativity in my life. It is harmful and unhealthy on so many levles.

I am happy for you and wish you all the best in the world.

Thank you for responding.

My BMI wasn't 40 either but my co morbidities got me qualified anyway.

Good luck to you!

I have BCBSIL, my BMI was 40 and I was using a Blue Cross Blue Shield Bariatric Center of Excellence, so they were very familiar with the paperwork requirements.

It took 12 business days to receive approval and I called almost every day. I was very nice and so were the people in the predetermination department, but it still took over 2 weeks.

kagead

Thank you all for your post. I was concerned about this too. I have my final appointment on 8/19 for my 3 month supervised weight loss attempt then it goes to the insurance company. My BMI is well over 40, and I am on blood pressure meds, but I am concerned over if they are expecting me to lose a lot of weight during this time. My doctor, nutrionist and I have worked hard over the last few years but while I lose inches I don't lose wieght...should I be concerned?

I was approved by my BCBS in 3 days!

Edited July 30, 201016 yr by Beachbunny

wow that was fast. My policy makes me wait 3 months waiting period it doesn't seem like you had to do that. My consult was 5/20, nutrition 6/3, pysch eval 6/10 and pcp visits 5/24, 6/18, 7/19, and 8/13. Its so drawn out. But your story gives me hope.

I was approved with BCBS AL in 15 minutes, not kidding. Just this morning, actually! I got a call from my docs office with a question about my insurance and she said she was going to call it in for approval-- called me back 15 minutes later and said she got it and they'd get back to me Monday to schedule the surgery.

It's a little surreal. This time last year I was one month away from finishing my 6 month diet and I found out that my workplace insurance excluded bariatric surgery. I was pretty crushed, and mad at myself for not knowing it sooner but it was probably a blessing in disguise because I got to build some confidence that I could make the changes I needed to succeed. I switched to my husband's insurance, which does cover it, and after procrastinating for another 6 months on finishing the final things (my psych eval, faxing records), I got it in and I'm now approved.

Wee!

That's awesome! I know that had to be a relief after your experience last year. I'm curious, did they expect you to lose any weight for approval?

That's awesome! I know that had to be a relief after your experience last year. I'm curious, did they expect you to lose any weight for approval?

During the 6 month required diet (which I did for 8 months in the end) I did lose about 25 lbs. I gained about 15 of it back after Christmas until now. Because my original supervised diet was still within a year, they didn't make me redo it-- they counted it from April-November of last year.

I've lost about half of what I've regained since the beginning of the summer and I want to do as much as possible more before I do the surgery. I just can't dip below 255 or I won't qualify anymore