Question:
Regency Blue Shield????

I need infomation from anyone who has had to fight this insurer for approval, and if anyone has won. HELP! It's for a friend who desperately needs this .    — Nancy T. (posted on August 23, 2002)

August 24, 2002
I have Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield, my policy has a definite exclusion, my husband needs to have the surgery and I was told by Walter Lindstrom that he wouldn't even touch the case as he has had no luck in fighting them and it is just a waste of money to do so. I do understand that after the first of the year they are going to allow a limited number of there employees to have the surgery on a trial basis and possible after 3-4 years will allow it do be available to those who have the insurance. To me this is just not right. We are going to go self pay so that my husband can have the surgery. I was lucky enough that my former insurance co. paid for my surgery in full. I still had about $2000.00 out of pocket but that wasn't bad in comparison to the actual cost of the surgery. Good luck and I hope your friend is successful in getting their surgery, hopefully paid by insurance.
   — Jennie D.

August 26, 2002
We switched to Regence of OR January 1, 2002 but now wish we hadn't. After reading other negative posts regarding this insurance I have decided to go back to our prior carrier, United Healthcare. My husband is with the Union Pacific R.R. and they hold an open enrollment in October so we will make the switch then. I called and United said the railroad policy covers the surgery when medically necessary. Hopefully your friend has this option available also.
   — Beverly1956