Hi guys,

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Coventry of Kansas City? My husband is possibly getting a new job (we are waiting on the phone call any day now) with the largest Missouri University and they have Coventry which I am desperately hoping will cover lap band because our current health insurance excludes it. I was just curious if anyone knows the ins and outs. Even if the employer is different any information would be much appreciated...the suspense is killing me. Thanks!

I have Coventry of Delaware! I can tell you that they don't cover the Lapband, however I was able to get in under a loop hole. I work in Maryland and in July 2009, Maryland past a law that all Insurance companies MUST cover the Lapband surgery. Even though I live in Delaware, my insurance is covering it because I work in Maryland and the policy was signed in Maryland. You may want to just call your insurance commissioner in MO and ask if this is true there.

Best of luck to you!!

Hi guys,

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Coventry of Kansas City? My husband is possibly getting a new job (we are waiting on the phone call any day now) with the largest Missouri University and they have Coventry which I am desperately hoping will cover lap band because our current health insurance excludes it. I was just curious if anyone knows the ins and outs. Even if the employer is different any information would be much appreciated...the suspense is killing me. Thanks!

Hi Sarah. I am in KS and have coventry as a medicare replacement insurance. Coventry covered my band placement although I still had to come up with a huge chunk out of pocket but that also was impacted by my surgeon's practice. My port flipped and I had to have a second surgery to correct it and they are balking at paying for it. On my last visit the surgeon's financial person told me they were no longer going to accept coventry because of the difficulty they were having getting payment.

Most times it's not about who the insurance carrier is, but what provisions or exclusions are included in the employer's plan. BCBS covers some people and not others, like me, because my employer opted out of bariatric coverage. Some companies opt out of this coverage (and infertility coverage) to have lower premiums and monthly premiums for the employees. It's best to check with the employer.

Btw, love your name. I went to Mizzou and am in KC too!

Thanks for the replies ladies! I know all about exclusions... I have BCBS of KC and they exclude all bariatric surgery. I know the coverage depends on the company but usually if they do cover it the requirements and such are the same across the board. I was basically just wanting to what experiences people had with them. I am going to start the diet requirement early so when we do switch and everything will already be in place. Any other info y'all have would be fabulous! Congrats on all your weight losses.

I use to actually work for GHP/Coventry of MO and I can tell you it def. depends on what your employer chooses and whats offered, I would def. call Coventry/GHP and ask them if Univ. of MO covers lap band, they should be able to tell you even though your not covered just yet.