I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC Blue Options. I was told that they do not cover the Lap Band. Has anyone had any experience with getting Blue Cross to cover this surgery? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I have BC/BS of NC Blue Options. I went to BCBS.com and typed in my plan number/enrolled, etc and looked up weight loss surgery. RNY is covered if your BMI is over 40 or over 35 with 2 co-morbidities. Lap Band is specifically excluded. I paid cash and went to Mexico. Not the answer you were looking for, I'll bet! Sorry. Do you have the gumption and patience to attempt a fight? I know I didn't. Let us know what you do.

Hey, Welcome to LBT! Where are you in NC? I'm in the Charlotte area.

Hello.. and welcome to the board... I don't have Bluecross, I just wanted to say hello and welcome.

Kathy is a wealth of knowledge....so ask away.

I don't have blue cross, but wanted to say hi and welcome. I'm just waiting on one more test and then I'll start the insurance waiting game myself . Good luck.

Melissa

Welcome to the board. Congrats on taking this step to a happier, healthier you! I have Blue Cross out of state and they paid for mine. I would try and fight it and see what you can do, then you could be the one to open the door for many others. Keep positive and push through I am sure you will succeed. You just need to show that insurance company who is boss!

Let us know where you are from in NC, we have a great group going on in Charlotte.

Angie

Look at all the NC friends showing up for you Mellie! Come back!!

Hey! Thanks for all the support!! I'm in Rockingham NC. I am getting all my tests done and hoping there is some way that I can beat this insurance. If not, maybe I can find financing for it. I feel like my insurance will pay for RNY but I don't want that. I want the Lap Band.

I am the same way. The lap band was the way to go for me. I had it done on the 30th of June and I love it. I am very happy with it so far.

Good Luck to you! Are you close to Raleigh? I think there is a support group up there once you get things going.

Angie

Hey Mellie, whose your doc? Someone was looking for a band doc in Winston-Salem. I'm not certain where Rockingham is...the one I know is in SC on the way to Myrtle!! Shot in the dark. Maybe I could pass along your doc's name, just in case.

I was the same way. They would pay for the RNY, but not the Band. No way Jose on the RNY. keep fighting! If it turns into self-pay, let me know. I'll tell you all I know!

My doctor is C. Kenneth Mitchell in Pinehurst. Rockingham is about 2 hours from Charlotte.

I had my GB ultrasound test done today and my bone density test. There has just got to be a way that I can have the Lap-Band done. I'm not giving up.

Oh yeah, about self-pay, my doctor's office told me to check with carecredit.com for financing. Have you heard of this?

Mellie, his name has popped up here before in another thread. Not much response, not sure why? JudyBellyBand is in the Raliegh/Durham area and Yahoo has a NCBandsters Group that many of them post on. I can't do the Yahoo groups...the format makes no sense to me and besides, I love LBT. Don't give up on the Band. I hope you can get it through, so keep us posted on your progress! Yay Mellie!!!

Oh yeah, about self-pay, my doctor's office told me to check with carecredit.com for financing. Have you heard of this?

Not that specific group, but do a search on LBT (click Search on the blue bar above and type in care credit) see what pops up. Those medical financing companies have interest rates similar to credit cards...be careful and read the fine print, but they pay the doc directly, I think. Many folks have had good experiences with them, I think. If you can get a better rate on a personal loan, or home equity loan, etc. you'd be better off. I did the home equity loan. Just check the rates, shop around.

Thanks Kathy!

Oh, I also tried the yahoo groups and receive emails from them but I don't understand the format either. LOL!

I had Realize Band in Sept. 08 with BCBS of NC Blue Options and mine was covered after a $500.00 deductable. That was my saving grace.

I have Blue Options and I was told that I was covered. I have not had surgery yet and they have not approved/denied yet, but they told me I was covered.