So I have considered WLS and banding for many years now. I finally decided to get serious about it and spoke with my family Dr. He was all for it and told me that he believed my insurance covered it. I was ecstatic. I have researched everything there is to know about WLS, the bariatric surgeon was even impressed. I’ve been to a seminar and group support meetings and everything keeps telling me that this procedure is my answer to a better life. Well I spoke with my insurance about it and I come to find out that Regence doesn’t cover it. I am so heartbroken. I haven’t cried this much since my son was in the NICU for six weeks. My family doesn’t understand why I am so horribly sad. They are all obese as well. This is killing me. I don’t want to have all of the health problems and die when I’m 40.

Thanks guys, I am not giving up. I am looking into any other insurance plans I come across. I am self employed so I have to pay for my health insurance. Does anyone know of any insurance plans that do cover WLS??

I have Anthem Blue Cross / Blue Shield and mine is covered. Few people I know got it covered with TriCare and Humana. I do believe that each policy is different based on what the employer set for the exclusions. So someone with the same insurance as me, might not have bariatric coverage.

Self employed insurance is quite pricey right? I would strongly consider financing the surgery and buying the complication insurance from the surgeon. Good luck!!

Thanks guys, I am not giving up. I am looking into any other insurance plans I come across. I am self employed so I have to pay for my health insurance. Does anyone know of any insurance plans that do cover WLS??

I have United Health Care and i was covered!

I know how disappointed you are. I went through the same thing a couple of years ago, however I was told to keep checking back with the insurance company because they're always changing things. In September 2010, I called the insurance company again and heard the same thing that did not cover the Lapband because of a clause in our group medical insurance. I went to my employer and asked him if he could ask his contact at the insurance company about this the next time our insurance renewed. He gave me the contact person and I immediately contacted them. To my surprise, she said that in July 2009 the State of Maryland passed a law that all insurance companies have to include the Lapband as a benefit. I was so excited, but then they found out I lived in Delaware.....so I once again had my heart broken, then to my surprise the rep that I originally talked too said that doesn't matter since I work in the State of Maryland and my insurance guidelines are through that state. Needless to say, I was so over joyed and thanked God!! I have gone through all of my pre-surgery requirements and just need to get clearance from the Lung doctor. They are telling me my surgery will be sometime in April. I'm telling my story to show you not to give up, just keep pushing and trying and hopefully you can find a loophole as I did. Best of luck to you!!