Highmark BCBS just called and I have been approved!!!!!:banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana I called the doc's office and my date is July 28th!!!! I am so glad that I didn't give up and just pay, it is going to be covered 100%. ~Mandy

Whooo Hooo! Congrats to you! I't will be here before you know it!

Way to keep fighting. I wish you the best of luck.

Happy losing.

Congrats! You will soon be on the losing side!

Melissa

:Bunny That is wonderful, I'm so happy for you. Start the countdown now to a better, improved you. Congrats............

You did it!!!! Way to wait it out, girl, I'm so proud of you! happy day, happy day!!!

That is great news..

Congratulations!! :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :banana :banana :banana :banana

Hi Mandy,

First congratulations!!!

I am curious to know what state you are in and also if you have Highmark BCBS PPO or HMO?

I had to change from Cigna HMO to Highmark BCBS PPO in January. Cigna paid for my band and re-band due to leak... but I have been weary to call Highmark BCBS about my aftercare. The doctor has been submitting bills and so far I haven't had to pay anything... but I think the doctor may be discounting me the difference between what the insurance pays for office visits and fills, etc. I did have an upper GI at the hospital and they paid that 100%.

Thanks and good luck with your band journey.

Way to go Mandy!!! We by July band buddies...I am approved for the 22nd!

I have Highmark BCBS PPO I am in Illinois, but they are PA. My husband works for the railroad and our insurance is through the Union. Until now it was not covered, I am the very first person to be covered by Highmark, at least that is what they told me today. They are rewriting the company policy in the next 2 weeks to at least review the band proceedure as opposed to just listing it as experimental. I really had to fight to get this covered, I was denied 3 times and we were preparing for an independant review when they called to say I had been approved. I hope that this makes it easier for the next person. ~Mandy

Congratulations Mandy - how long did it take you to finally get approved? The reason I'm asking is that I'm in Illinois too with BCBS PPO - but my card doesn't reflect Highmark. Just BCBS PPO Of IL. My paperwork was just sent off on Monday this week and I was hoping for a July 27th surgery date, but I'm afraid it won't be processed in time.

I live in Illinois, but don't have BCBS of Illinois. They do cover it though, I am told that they are pretty good about covering weight loss surgery overall, including the band. That is what Inamed told me. I have Highmark of PA and they are real stinkers about the band, it took 3 months to get it covered, and that was calling everyday and getting my husbands union involved. ~Mandy

Thanks for the info Mandy. I am in CA, but have Highmark in PA due to my employer's corporate offices being in that state. I am glad that you were able to turn them around. I believe it will give others amunition and perhaps help me with some continued funding of my aftercare.

Good going!!! I am happy for you!