Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance

Hi everyone. I had a friend have gastric bypass surgery about 3 years ago and she has done wonderfully...no complications and a success of 183 pounds lost. I'm not looking into surgery myself. She had no problems with her insurance but I don't have the same as she did. Does anyone know about coverage for Blue Cross? I know I need to inquire I was just hoping for some feedback. She found the message boards helpful so I'm hoping for the same. Thanks!

I am in the same boat as you...BCBS.  So far what I have found out is that you need a BMI of at least 40, or at lease 35 if comorbities exist. You have to have a 12 month supervised weight loss attempt. You have to have a psych exam. That is what I remember from my phone call a couple weeks ago. I have it all written down at work, but those are the biggies.  Good luck. And yes, this board is awesome! ~Sheryl

I found that BCBS of VA only requires you to have a BMI over 40.....nothing more needed....

My mother had surgery 3 years ago with bcbs as well.  She had virtually no requirements to fulfil.  Insurance has changed dramatically since then.  Call the number on the back of our insurance card and get the specifics for your plan. The previous poster's list is the same as what I have.  BMI of 40 (or 35 with comorbidities), pysch eval, 12 month diet history, etc. Good luck, Pam

I have BCBS CB PPO, and had no problems with approval.

Needed 6 months of Dr supervised dieting (had it, and BMI of 40 +, had that too)

I'd suggest that you go to the BCBS website enter in your information they ask for; Name, personal ID #, group number. It'll take you to your own policy. It'll have what it covers, what is required, what hospitals and doctors are 'in network" etc. I got all that info even before the doctors office sent in for approval.