Hi everyone. Learned today that Bcbs federal received my packet yesterday. 33 pages!! It's currently under review. Anyone have an idea how long it takes to get a decision? Gosh!! This is stressful!!

Wishing you luck! My packet goes to BCBS Federal in late January. I can't wait to find out if they will approve it. So many hoops to jump through!

Wishing you luck! My packet goes to BCBS Federal in late January. I can't wait to find out if they will approve it. So many hoops to jump through!

I did receive approval and surgery on Dec 30th. Only took a few days!

Thats good. I wish I could get surgery before January

I have BCBS Fed as well and my packet was submitted last Friday. I called on Wednesday and it hadn't been reviewed yet. I'm thinking since Monday was a holiday it may be next week before I hear anything.

I just found this site….was considering going to Mexico to have the sleeve procedure & see where you guys are working on getting Fed BC/BS to cover this in the U.S. Do you know what the criteria for the approval with insurance to pay? I was just informed by a Facebook buddy (who doesn't have federal BC/BS) the following statement: Federal ins I believe covers it. My BC/Bs would not but it takes about 6 months prior to surgery but you have to see psychiatrist for 6 months.

Is this true see a psychiatrist for 6 months? I know about 8 yrs ago a former co-worker was only about 60 lbs overweight with a couple of other weight related health issues and her Gastric procedure was paid for by Federal.

I would appreciate any info given.

It only takes 3 months. Three office appts to include nutritionist, a stress test, sleep study, and a psych appt. there was no upfront weight loss requirement either. My bmi was 36 so I needed to have 2 comorbidities which were high bp and GERD.

It only takes 3 months. Three office appts to include nutritionist, a stress test, sleep study, and a psych appt. there was no upfront weight loss requirement either. My bmi was 36 so I needed to have 2 comorbidities which were high bp and GERD.

It only takes 3 months. Three office appts to include nutritionist, a stress test, sleep study, and a psych appt. there was no upfront weight loss requirement either. My bmi was 36 so I needed to have 2 comorbidities which were high bp and GERD.

It only takes 3 months. Three office appts to include nutritionist, a stress test, sleep study, and a psych appt. there was no upfront weight loss requirement either. My bmi was 36 so I needed to have 2 comorbidities which were high bp and GERD.

My request was sent through to BCBS Federal on Friday 01/23/15. Anxiously awaiting their response. I had to do the 6 month supervised visit, psych consult, nutritionist visit, and endoscopy. I got through all of these hurdles and am hoping it is enough. *Fingers crossed*

I spoke to Bariatric Surgery Insurance Specialist today and she told me she was very familiar with Fed BC/BS. Her info to me was 35 BMI-40 with health related obesity issue such as diabetics II, sleep apnea. If 40+ considered morbidly obese so different criteria. She said I could come in they could see if I qualify (5 hr drive when roads are not snow covered). There is a 3 month surgery prep including 3month nutritionist/psych visit. I think I am borderline to being 35BMI/with possible diabetic II (runs in my family) with sleep apnea….but of course have to be tested. Another statement the office made to me is if I go to MX to have this procedure, that my BC/BS might cover me if I occur complications, esp if I was never approved. It started me to thinking…..what if????