I'm trying to appeal to BCBS of Oklahoma for the lap band & am interested in BCBS's coverage of it in other states...anybody out there know???

hi kindredspirit.

when i went to the seminar about the lapband surgery the woman who handles insurance said BCBS was one of the best ones to have...I'm in NJ.

Hi kindredspirit -

I was initially declined for the procedure, but received approval from BCBS just yesterday. Keep up the good fight!

Nathalie

I am from MA and BCBS approved me, no problem. My bmi was 39 and I have sleep apnea. Mr. dr. also told me BCBS is one of the best he deals with regarding lap band.

Good luck

I have highmark BCBS NJ and they are the worst for working with people. I was told by the attorney that I tried to hire that I would never beat them. I fought them on my own and finallly won by getting my husbands Union involved. Each company has it's own rules and then each policy can and will be different. It depends on what the employer wants covered. Each policy is custom made for each company. ~Mandy

BCBS of AL doesn't cover lap-band surgery.

Tami

I had to appeal to the California State Board of Insurance - but I got approved. I have letters if you want them. Just send me an e-mail with your address to ismith@wmcdirect.com

Good luck!!

I have BCBS of MN (even though I live in TX) and they do cover it.

I have bc/bs of Kentucky and I pay 619.25 per month for my husband and I and they wouldn't pay a dime and don't cover any postop or fills.

I have BCBS in N.Y. and they require evidence of a 6 month medically supervised diet, normal thyroid function tests, a BMI of 40 or > or a BMI of 35 with one or two co-morbidities.

Lap-Banding WILL be covered by BCBS in 2007. Per changes in the 2007 Benifit Book.

Ron, it depends on the individual coverage, as every company has it's own exclusions. For example, BC BS normally covers birth control, however my husbands employer decided that since most of the employees were beyond child bearing years they have opted to exclude birth control, and surgical sterilization. So each policy is individual. I just don't want people getting their hopes up that all BC BS policies will be covering it. ~Mandy

Mandy, I did not want to cause false hopes! But I was told I had no coverage, and after I persisted, FED EMP> BSBC said that after Jan.1 2007, I could have the procedure covered due to changes in the 2007 book, I was very excitted! If this did not apply to all I am very sorry! But I hope NO ONE gives up!

Ron

I always tell people to fight fight fight. I did and won, after 3 appeals. I just wanted to clairify that each policy is different and some still may not cover it. I hope you are able to get 100% coverage as soon as the first of the year is here. ~ Mandy

I have BCBS (Empire Blue) and although I'm in Texas i believe it's out of NY. Although they denied me for another surgery they approved, within 2 weeks) my lap band procedure. I just got the letter yesterday!

FED EMP> BSBC said that after Jan.1 2007, I could have the procedure covered due to changes in the 2007

I came across the 2007 call letter for FEHB on line and it is now REQUIRED that FEHBP plans cover WLS! Its' about time! I also agree to fight fight fight! The squeeky wheel gets the grease, huh? However, if you look @ the different plans, their requirements can be/are different, so be careful!

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