Although I've had the approval via my doctor's office for weeks now, I received the "official" letter from Blue Cross yesterday in the mail and I noted that they indicated it was deemed "medically necessary". It hit me ... they are willing to pay $20K-ish for me to have a surgery that they feel is required for me. That's a heck of a lot of money but it's there because I really truly do need to have this surgery.

I have only a few days until it's sleeve day for me, but realizing that they are willing to pay that much money so I can have a better quality of life is just one big reminder that I am really doing the right thing and on the right track - finally.

Awesome!! Good luck to you.

was deemed "medically necessary".

Hi DuranFan1969

There is a good reason more and more insurance companies like BCBS are accepting and paying for bariatric surgery.

I have diabetes and other co-morbidities. In the long run it is cheaper for insurance to cover this large bill for WLS, because over the years insurance will have to pay much more for medical supplies and medicine for people with such ailments as high blood pressure and diabetes, sleep apnea etc. So getting the WLS makes sense to the insurance company.

I don't think insurance is paying for WLS out of the "goodness of their heart" it just makes good business sense.

Good luck with you upcoming sleeve

you will be very happy

kathy

I have thought about this same thing. However, I don't really have the co-morbidities. Well, sleep apnea and my back hurts but I haven't ever been to the doc to complain of them. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining now just thinking out loud....

I think its funny that before I started looking into the surgery, my Dr prescribed me Meridia to help with my weight loss. I got a letter from my insurance company saying they would not cover that and it was over $100. Also, they did not offer any discounts on gyms or weight loss programs. However, I was able to get approved for surgery right away. Theres something seriously wrong with an industry that will cover $20+ thousand but not a $100 script.