In the information given to me by the hospital I'm having my surgery through, it said that if your BMI is over 50 (mine is 59), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan waives the six month dieting/wait period. Does anyone have experience with this? I'm getting BCBS of Michigan anyway, but I'm really hoping this wasn't misinformation.

Thanks a bunch!

I was just oked today to have gastric sleeve and I have blue care network they just told me that they have to have a six month diet done with a nutritionist

I was just oked today to have gastric sleeve and I have blue care network they just told me that they have to have a six month diet done with a nutritionist

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network aren't the same thing, are they? And what is your BMI?

I'm not sure if they're the same i read that wrong I was excited someone else from Michigan mine is 41

I just looked it up under bcbs and it does say a six month process sorry

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network aren't the same thing, are they? And what is your BMI?

I worked there up or 7 years ago

BCN is the subsidiary and it's the hno product. Their medical policies are different than bcbsm which is ppo, EPO, indemnities

I would call bcbsm directly and ask them. Even if you are not a customer today they c an give you the medical policy

Yes! My mom had BCBSM and the six months was waived because her BMI was over 50. Mine was under 50, so I had to do the six months.

The strange thing about the approval process with BCBSM is they do not do preapprovals. The Drs office submits the claim after your surgery is complete. They approve the surgery and only ask for the dietician appointment, psych eval, weights, etc if needed.

@@juhneefurr was the six months waved for you?

@@juhneefurr was the six months waved for you?

As far as I can tell. I'm still pre-op, but everything is pointing to it being waived. That's what everyone I have talked to has said, and even the insurance before I purchased it for the year, I asked them directly and they said it would most likely be waived. So now I'm waiting to have my sleep study and be submitted to the surgeon and the insurance for approval and we'll see.

If it does indeed end up getting waived, then I will post it back on here!

Yes. She's exactly right. My BMI is 50.3 and no 6 months of dieting required. And blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn't do preapprovals. They simply pay.

I have BCBS of MI as well. My BMI is 51.9, and I am just beginning to start the process. My first appointment is later this month, however I am surprised to learn that in some cases the waiting period is waived. I will post again here when I learn more.

Thank you for sharing!

Edited February 18, 201511 yr by MsAlaineus

50 bmi. There is no waiting period for BCbS of Michigan.

You're right, Monopoly!

The cut off is 50. Anything above eliminates the six month wait.

Anyone know how long the process is without the 6 months?

How was the process for you, I have had my first round of appointments and My BMI is over 50 which is waiving the 6 month of diet. How fast did the process go for you?

Faster than I was ready for! I'm being told my surgery will be early May!

Who are you going through-- if you don't mind sharing...?