BCBS of IL primary ~ Medicaid secondary

I was just wondering if anyone has had problems with getting approval from their primary insurance and just using there secondary insurance. I know my BCBS will be running out soon but I was wanting to get the ball rolling. Also if anyone has any suggestions for surgeons that take Medicaid in Southern Ill preferably but am willing to travel to the end of the world for help if needed....... (((((Hugs))))) K.

I am pretty sure you need to have your primary say that they will or will not pay before your secondary will pick up the bill. That is what happened to my husband back in '03. He was denied by his primary, Cigna and my work insurance (Dave's secondary) paid for his RNY. Make sure that you have all of your ducks in a row with BCBS they have been toughies to get approved with. From what I have heard they have relaxed their rules a little but they still require you to jump through hoops. Chris

Kenna, I don't know how far it is for you, but Dr. Oliphant in Urbana takes IDPA. He is affiliated with Carle Hospital. Your primary care physician has to refer you, then the office mails you out a packet. Office says it takes about 4 months to set up the consult and about 6 months for surgery for IDPA patients. He can only do 2 IDPA surgeries a month. Hope this helps, Good luck!! Yvonne

Thanks so much to both replies. are you going through Dr Oliphant also or are you already on the losing side? Thank you so much for the info. I had a referal to Newstart last year (didnt finish because of BCBS requirements) I hope he will give me a referal again...he can be a bit of a grouch I love this board...No one in my family or I know is supportive of this...makes it a bit hard. My husband even gave me the ...........ultimatum.......... well here I go.....if he loves me he will stay....well didnt mean to blab you head off I was just curious if you had their phone number or something so I can get Dr. Grouch to send over the referral... Looks like it will take almost a year....but thats ok. I have been fat a lifetime. Thanks for all Kenna