My 2nd Post And Is The Same ??...

April 4, 2005

Insurance Carriers That Will Cover This?

Well Im 23 Yrs Old, Im A Little Over 400 Lbs, So I Know I Will Meet The Criteria Especially Being Only 6ft. Anyways Where I Work Were Switching Insurances. Were Getting Blue Cross Blue Sheild, Or United Healthcare, So We'll See, Anyone Out There Wanna Share There Insurance Carriers That Covered This. Where I Used To Work, They Covered 80%, Why Did I Leave, Anyways, Thanks Yall!!

Daniel

Mita · April 4, 2005

BCBS of Nebraska covered the band before 2005 this year they are not. I believe every state is different.

Good Luck:)

the best me · April 4, 2005

Hey Danny! From what I have "gleaned" from other posts, United Health Care is paying for more Bands than BC/BS...just an intuition...not based on fact at all. If you know the plan numbers, you can usually go online for coverage information. The CDT code for Lap Band is 43843. Good Luck!

Debbydo · April 4, 2005

I suggest to make telephone calls to see if they exclude the band. If they say it's up to medical its a fights chance.

Alexandra · April 4, 2005

Hi Danny,

No generalizations we can make will help you much. It all depends on your state, your employer, and a host of other factors. In general, United HC has been pretty good about covering the band, but large carriers change their policies all the time. And as for BC/BS, it's state-specific and what's true in New Jersey or Florida or Nebraska does not have any relevance for you (unless you're in one of those states, of course).

You need to explore closer to home. Good luck!!

flower · April 4, 2005

bc bs of ma pays for it but i know it does differ from state to state it is best to call you insurance company directly and they will give you the answer you need.

Boy's Mom · April 5, 2005

I have Empire Blue Direct HMO. The manual said no coverage for obesity related; however with a BMI of 48, diabetes and sleep apnea, it was found to be medically necessary and I was approved within 2 weeks. I am very pleased with my insurance company!

Mayra

TrishS · April 5, 2005

I have UHC and they paid 90% of everything. It could be diffrent where you are.. I would just call.

LWilliams · April 5, 2005

It depends on the POLICY your employer has with the insurance company. Insurance companys offer many different policies, so stating that a particular insurance company covers the procedure is not accurate.

April 7, 2005

Well thanks everyone, I'm just waiting to hear what Insurance company my company picks.. I work for a large Ambulance company here in South East Texas, and would be using Dr.Speigel, so I hope it works out for me, please, please pray for me!!

Daniel

sandie1958 · April 7, 2005

dannyd:my company is changing from cigna to united healthcare may 1. so i have my 1st app. may 9 so i will be thinking of you also . keep me posted when is your 1visit or have you had it already . sandie

leatha_g · April 7, 2005

All of the above is true, however, I have heard from others that BCBS of Texas seems to be quite a bit tougher on their approvals. Many have to go under a one year Dr monitored weight loss effort before they will approve. In general, UHC seems to be less stringent. Good luck!