For the sleeve? Hopefully with no diet requirements? I may have messed up my Cigna diet (see other post) and open season is soon for January (in case I need to switch)? Thanks!

I have BCBS Fep

We have BCBS government... They no longer have a 6-month wait. Good luck.

Don't you have BC/BS Federal Employee available to you? Now is the time for open enrollment if you want to pick it up. It is the best insurance I have ever had...ever. My requirements were two years of documented medical supervision for my weight, which was easy enough. I just got a print out of my medical records and highlighted my weight, any comments about my weight, and doctor's suggested for follow-up for the recent two year period.

I had to have a BMI of 40 or 35+ with co-morbidities. I had to do a three month nutritionist supervised diet also. Once all of that was done with other medical testing my application packet

was faxed in. BCBS approved it in two days. My sleeve was done 12/23/2013.

I have BCBS Federal, basic plan through the VA. Best insurance ever. Covers pretty much everything! My file was submitted on 10/29. Called insurance company today, and they are just waiting to get my psych clearance.

Edited November 3, 201510 yr by fluffytofit

Federal employee. Thank you!

Oh, yep...BCBS Basic plan covers more. You would think that the BCBS Standard covered more because it is more expensive, but it doesn't.

Oh, yep...BCBS Basic plan covers more. You would think that the BCBS Standard covered more because it is more expensive, but it doesn't.

Thanks!

Hi! I have BCBS Federal also and I am new to all of this. I just found out that my insurance covers WLS! I've had it for 7 years!!! (Someone shoot me) I have not seen a bariatric surgeon yet, I'm just trying to get all my ducks in a row first! With this insurance do you need 1 or 2 comorbidities? I'm going to my General Physician today for a physical. I've always had weight related issues but I have never been seen for them.... HELP!

Thank you so much!

@

Make sure you mention to your doctor that you are planning on having bariatric surgery. You will need a letter of support from them. With our insurance the requirement is BMI over 40 with no comorbidity, or BMI over 35 with at least one. We do not need a referral to specialists, so id go right ahead and schedule an appt at the surgeons office. Make sure you are using a BCBS Center of Excellence, as it is required for maximum insurance benefits. If you aren't sure, google it and you will find a list of them near you.

@@fluffytofit

Does it have to be in a Center of Excellence? The closest one to me is over 200 miles away... :/

I don't think you'll get the full coverage if you don't. Call the customer service number on the back of your card to clarify. It is so much better to go to one. At my surgeons office, everyone is in the same office. The surgeon, dietician, and psychologist. It makes it really nice to have a one stop shop. I drive over an hour to mine.

Thanks Nette, that definately answers my questions. I am so glad to hear that it's not like regular throwing up. I go to GREAT lengths to avoid throwing up. It just kills me. I feel like I'm being turned inside out.:sick I think I can handle just regurgitating something, not that I look forward to it. That is interesting about the tight feeling in your chest. That must definately take some getting used to. I really need to start practicing chewing. I am soooooo guilty of swallowing my food whole, and it seems like that will get me into a whole heap of trouble after I'm banded. I also drink profusely when I eat...helps to wash it down quicker so I can get another bite in! LOL.

I am PSYCHED! I can't wait for my surgery.

I called when I was going through none. No you don't have to go to a center of excellence. By your doctor and hospital must be preferred and make sure that their NPI number they bill under is preferred.

@@fluffytofit

Does it have to be in a Center of Excellence? The closest one to me is over 200 miles away... :/

Sorry see my response