Question:
I need to know if Premera Blue Cross Out of WA state covers the RNY?

I have a friend who would benefit from this surgery and has Premera Blue Cross Insur. They state they will not cover WLS, if anyone has had them cover thier WLS or not, I would love to hear from you I am trying to help my dear friend get to the other side as smoothly as possible. Thanks, Deanna    — devine299 (posted on February 14, 2003)

February 14, 2003
If you go to the top of the page and click on "insurers", then choose WA state from the map there are several pages of insurances used (accepted, appealed,denied). You'll find a lot on Premera Blue Cross as its a major insurer in WA state. I think there are numerous plans under this name though and as always, if its through an employer, the employer can choose not to cover it in order to save costs. I think 9 out of 10, maybe more you'll find that there is an exclusion clause with them. You may want to read through those pages. Somewhere in there is a lady who is using the state laws to fight with them to have WLS covered when medically necessary. Not sure if she won, is appealing, or lost. Thought I'd let you know. Hope your friend finds a way. (oh, by the way, if all else fails, if she has low enough income to where she would qualify for state medical, they do cover it)
   — Shelly S.

February 14, 2003
I looked into Premera for my small company (howdy, neighbor--I'm about 6 mi away), and no way, no how. Unless he happens to work for Microsoft......?
   — vitalady