Question:
BCBS of Illinois does anyone have this insurance
I have BCBS of Illinois, does anyone else and how hard was it to get approved? Any advice is appreciated. — pugsley101 (posted on May 6, 2008)
May 6, 2008
I have BCBS of Illinois but it was through my husbands union. BCBS has so
many different branches that you'd have to call to see what they want you
to do. I had to go through a mental health screening and when that was
completed I was approved. I couldn't see my surgeon about WLS until I was
approved through them first. I would call because all policies are
different.
— lalabear110
May 6, 2008
Just wondering where your looking to have your surgery and if your close to
the Chicago area?
— lalabear110
May 6, 2008
As a previous posting stated, you will need to check with your insurance.
I do have BCBS of IL. For me they required a one year monitored dieting.
Every month I had to visit either my PCP or a dietician. I also had to
have a psyche evaluation. The hospital where I had my surgery has a
bariatric clinic. They helped me with a lot of the requirements, but I
made several calls to BCBS. I kept a notebook for every time I
called with the persons first name and last initial of whome I spoke to and
what they told me I could or could not do. If I questioned anything they
said, I would call back and ask the same question and again make notes.
This was very helpful. The year waiting may seem like a long time, but by
the time I went for surgery, I was very knowledgeable and comfortable with
my decision.
I could not be happier that I had the surgery in Dec. '06. I have lost 111
lbs and am loving the new me. Good luck with everything.
— MJP0520
May 6, 2008
I had BCBS of Florida and it paid ZERO so I had to be a self pay. So,
however it takes, be thankful and congratulations on your WLS decision.
Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
— DawnVic
May 6, 2008
I have BCBSIL and live in the Chicago area. I was approved, even though I
was borderline with the BMI I had a few co-morbidities. They did want me
to do a 6-month medically supervised diet before I could have the surgery.
After weighing the costs in my mind, and also after hearing that after the
6 months BCBSIL "may" not approve the surgery if they determined
it was no longer medically necessary, I opted to go the self-pay route. If
you go to my profile you can find my doctor and practice. Good luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
May 6, 2008
I have BCBS of Illinois. It was kind of a pain in the butt!! It took over a
year to get approved even though I had years and years of documented
obesity and weight loss programs. I had to pay extra to go through a
hospital supervised program and then even after that I was denied twice and
had to appeal. FINALLY approved and had surgery in March 08. I shouldn't
complain I guess because I am really happy they did approve and pay for it,
if not I could have never done it, and this is sure to have saved my life.
Good luck to you!
— Fluffee
May 7, 2008
I also have BCBSIL as a primary and secondary insurance and they both
denied me on the first try, because I was missing one year from my 5-year
weight history. However, I was approved the second time after I provided
this info. This all happened within a one month timeframe. I didn't have
to do any appeals, the wonderful staff at UIC did everything for me. I had
to have a psychological evaluation (2 office visits), I had to see a
supervised weight loss specialist for 6 months and I had to prove that I
had at least two other health conditions that ties in to why I need the
Lap-band. i.e. asthma, sleep apnea, etc. I'm due to have my surgery
5/22/08. I hope this helps....Good luck to you!
— Hope S.
May 8, 2008
I have BCBS of Texas and am 4 weeks post-op. I was border line with
co-morbid issues. One the doctor (finally) submitted my paperwork, I was
approved in one day. I initially called my insurance company to find out
what was required to qualify. I also called my insurance company after
several weeks of no answer and found out the doctor's office never
submitted my paperwork. I highly recommend keeping in contact with your
insurance company. Good luck!
— grobertsjenkins
Click Here to Return