Hello all,

I contacted my insurance co (Anthem BCBS VA) a few weeks ago to find out if I had coverage for WLS. I was told that I did and that the surgical clinic would need to contact them to determine what was necessary for approval. I attended my WLS seminar last Tuesday. We were all told that we would receive a call from the surgical center on Friday after our insurance was verified so that we could start the next steps. Well, Friday I received my call. I was informed that Anthem would cover my surgery and that they only asked for a letter of medical necessity from the surgical clinic. Well, I am meeting with the surgeon tomorrow and they will be taking my vitals and what not and preparing a letter for the insurance company. Now, do I take that to mean that this is ALL that my insurance company is requiring? Or will they be asking for other documentation in stages as opposed to all at once?

You could be one of the lucky ones! I know when I lived in MD the state required all insurances to cover WLS for MOrbidly obese ( over 40BMI).

There will be other requirements but usually from your Doctor, You are on your way now Good luck and keep going!

Boy are you lucky! It sounds like you are on your way. Do you know if J. Bond was at WW on Saturday?:regular_smile:

Anthem BC/BS was GREAT!! The letter with all of the necessary information was received by them on a Thursday and I got approval the following Monday!!!!

Once I passed that hurdle, I knew it was "All systems go"!!!

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

atallen06, Anthem BC/BS is excellent. It's more expensive, but there's a good reason for that.....their customer service and processing expediency is outstanding. They focus a great deal on preventive measures and, imo, the Lap Band is indeed preventive. Helping people lose weight improves their health, hence, fewer medical claims to have to pay out in the long run.

They are my carrier, too, and I've already been pre-approved for surgery. :Dancing_wub:

Thanks, everyone! I hope this will go smoothly and quickly. I have my consult with my surgeon today, and my psych eval will be right after (I scheduled with a different dr). I'm almost afraid to be excited. Keep your fingers crossed!:Dancing_wub:

I'm fixing to get Anthem BCBS at my work soon! i sooooo hope that it goes as smoothly for me! I am happy for you! One thing, is your insurance key care by chance? they say ours is going to Anthem BCBS VA keycare 1000