I am helping my brother through this process (I have Tricare and am approved for surgery July 13)... he has Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP (Federal Employee Program). Does anyone know if they cover lap band? Does anyone know know where I can find info on their requirements if they do? I went to their website and was unable to find the info he needs.

He has spoken to a surgeon who sent him to a nutritionist to lose some weigh first. Right now that is all he knows or has done. I also sugested he jointhis site:)

Thanks for any info out there!!!

-kat

Yes they do, and you don't have to wait 6 months either. I just got my date and I have bcbs and have to wait 6 months, but my surgeon said with the fed. ben. program you don't.:smile2:

I am going thru the process with bcbs and it looks promising. I hope I dont have to wait 6 months

Yes, bcbsfep does cover the surgery. I started the process with a seminar in Feb, on the 16th of July the paperwork was sent in to bcbsfep and was approved on the 19th. My surgery is scheduled for the 27th. I have Standard Option. You can find the info about coverage in the bcbs Service Benefit Plan 2009 booklet that is sent to all persons enrolled in bcbsfep. It is on page16 &52...hope this helps

I have BCBSFEP. You can also look on their website fepblue.org to find information on services covered. You will need to know if your brother has standard option or basic option. I was submitted on 6/30. I spoke to someone on 7/2 at BCBS fed and they said that it should go through pretty quickly. My surgery is tentatively scheduled for 7/17 (still waiting for approval and have to do upper GI).

Good luck to you and your brother!:smile2:

This has helped so much! Thank you all!!

I also have bcbsfep and I was covered at 85% and a requirement of theirs is 23 hour stay in the hospital which means overnight. One thing I wanted to mention is I still had to pay an adminstrative fee to my surgeon which was $1,000 out of my pocket so be advised he may have something like that. It covered all of the paperwork for the health insurance, pre-approval etc.(I didn't have to do anything) and my protein shakes and all my vitamins, etc, etc.

I have fepblue- It seems to good to be true with the no waiting and ease of it all? Its kinda of sinking in now that I have my first dr visit this thurs. OMG! lol

(I am new here)

I have fepblue. They don't require a 6 month diet but like to see that you have attempted in the past to lose weight. They have paid for all of my testing with the exception of $20 co-pays. The billing insurance specialist from the hospital called and told me that she had submitted the papers right before she called. Two hours later I called blue cross to check on something else and they told me that I was approved for surgery. That was really quick. They said they were going to pay 85%. I am scheduled for surgery Oct 20.