Hello all! I'm new to the forums and have a few questions. I have been considering going through with the Gastric Sleeve surgery. I currently reside in Florida. I meet all the requirements for surgery. So I called my insurance company (Cigna, I pay for my own individual coverage) and was told that they don't cover it and that no insurance in Florida covers it. After I got off the phone I was devastated as I have tried everything from diets to a personal trainer for the last year and the comes off and then comes back on and wanted this surgery to help change my life. So I started researching and came across this page/forum and saw many women/men were getting their surgery and live in Florida. Is there an insurance company that covers it or do I have to pay out of pocket? Thank you in advance for your time and help.

I live in Jacksonville, FL and I have B.C.B.S. I was approved and having my surgery within 3 months.They told me they didn't cover the sleeve but they did. I kept calling until I found someone who

could help me. The sleeve is relatively new and there are many insurances who will not do it. You

could try the gastric bypass. Do you have any medical problems that can be caused from obesity?

You should keep trying, I know four individuals that have had the sleeve. Don't give up what ever

you do. It is well worth the effort. Good luck to you.

I live in Jacksonville, Fl and have BCBS insurance and my gastric sleeve was covered. However, I did have to do the six month doctor supervised visits, psych consult, nutrition consult, and attend at least one support group meeting. I also had a $5000 dollar deductible, which since I work at the hospital they have payroll deducted over a year. Best money I have ever spent!!

glitter eyes: What hospital do you work at? I had my surgery at Baptist downtown by

Dr. Hodgett. My total deduction was $7000, I will be paying for a long time. I had two more

surgeries two months after my sleeve. I also have to pay $100 for each physician that came into

my room. I don't regret it though, I am so much healthier and all of the aches and pains of being

morbidly obese are gone. The surgery actually saved my life, I am so much happier. I still have

60 lbs. to go. I hope I will reach my goal by the one year mark. Life is good!

I am just starting my journey (have done the first 30 days with pcp and completed psych evaluation and nut counseling) and am in the Jacksonville area. I also have BCBS and have been told the sleeve will not be covered by my specific plan. I have Medicare as a secondary, so it will fall under that policy. I am also going through Baptist Bariatrics, but with Dr. Morgenthal. I was hoping I'd find a few people here from the same office!

Thank you all for your responses. I've been told that since I pay for an individual coverage that I can't be covered. From why I have learned only group coverage will be covered. Is there a specific plan under Medicare that I can get as a secondary insurance?

Edited April 24, 201511 yr by NickyHazel

I'm from Starke, Florida (not far from Jacksonville) and I have BCBS but my employer opted out of covering weight loss surgery so I went to Mexico and paid $4,500. No hoops to jump through but no follow up care either, except by my primary care physician.

@@Edavidson and @@Need4Change I had my surgery at Baptist with Dr. Morganthal. Both he and Dr. Hodgett do a great job!! I work at Baptist so I felt comfortable having my surgery there. I had my sleeve last June so I am 10 months post op and down 119 pounds. Just 11 more to get to a normal BMI!! It's nice to find people on here from our area. I love this forum and find it so helpful.

I am from the Jacksonville Florida area as well. I just received my approval from Highmark BCBS. I am having a Gastric Bypass in July with Dr. Herrera at St. Vincent's. Has anyone used him? My primary Dr recommend him. So far he seems great, I am just getting a bit nervous as the actual date approaches ????