Hi there, girls & boys!

I have PERS Care, which is an excellent insurance program offered through my employer (State of California). It is through Anthem Blue Cross California. I actually work for the agency that administers health benefits to over 1.7 MILLION people in California & beyond.

So, not only do I have lots of information about co-insurance/deductibles/Annual Max works, but after 5 years with my organization, I have learned so much about how all the plans are administered (Kaiser, Blue Shield, etc).

If you are a State of California employee, or you work for one of the thousands of other public agencies contracted with the State for benefits, I would be so interested to hear your story, how it went, and what worked & what didn't.

I haven't found any other CA state employees or public employees here yet, but surely there must be some! Also I might be able to help with basic questions so.....send me a note or PM if you want to chat.

Hi Sarah,

I have PERS Choice through the county I work for. My insurance has been fabulous; I went from a lap band to the sleeve and was denied on the first request for revision. My surgeon did a peer to peer conference with Anthem Blue Cross and I received approval soon after. I feel very lucky & blessed especially after reading what hoops some people are made to jump through by their insurance companies. I am a little over 4 months out and love my new tummy and lifestyle more each day. All and all it has been a great experience so far.

Trina

I'm a city government employee with PersChoice. I'm just starting on the process. I have my list of hospitals close by and I decided which one to use--Good Samaritan in San Jose (healthgrades). It's also the cheapest range from Anthem's website. I went through different surgeons who use Good Samaritan and picked out the one to see. I have my first appt on May 16.

Georgia

Hello@@ChavaBling I have Blueshield of CA hmo calpers, do you happen to know what there requirements are for an approval of a conversion from lap band to sleeve. Please provide me with anything you can think of.

Thank you

dreamer78