State employee - Anthem

Hi ladies,  I go for my first consultation next week but I have been wondering about the health insurance.  I am a state employee and have anthem traditional.  My BMI is 40 but I have diabetes, hbp, fatty liver disease, high cholestrol, hight trig, and pcos.  I see an endocrinologist on a regular basis for my diabetes and I don't know if they will consider that to be my supervised diet.   Anyone a state employee or have any ideas?  I just want to be prepared. Thanks

I don't know if they will.  I had different ins. the first time I tried to have WLS.  They said I had to have 6 mos. suprevised diet.  During the supervised diet I changed ins. to Anthem.  My husband started working for the state.  I got approved on the first time with them.  But like I said I had the supervised diet completed.  Just had a thought, the benefits specialist at my surgeon's office said Anthem does require it.  I went to the dietician every two weeks at my GP's office.  Every sixth week I saw my GP.  They approved me with that.  That was my experience.

My husband is a state emplyee. We have Anthem BCBS ppo. I did 6 months with my pcp and then with 2 months left I went and saw Dr. Mattar for my consultation. I was approved with all my information through Clarian Baritrics the first time and pretty much had all your comorb. Good Luck Shanna

I was a State employee until March 7th this year... I had anthem and they covered me fine.. Just make sure the Dr lists the co morbs. and you write a letter explaining ALL the different ways you have tried to lose in the past I listed every diet pill I ever took, I listed the people I saw the hypnosis etc.. Big thing is they want to know this isnt our first choice trying to do it the HAHAHA (easy way) (if they only knew) Good luck... OH yea MommyMissa's hubby is a state employee to and hers is next month.. you have to hound them and be serious.. Linda Kay

Thank You Ladies

My husband is a state employee with Anthem insurance.  When I initially called Anthem's customer service to see what the requirements were, they told me that I would have to have 6 months doctor supervised weight loss.  But, I went to my pcp and had him write me a letter stating that he thought I was a good candidate for surgery and that that my previouse weight loss attempts had failed (weigh****chers, etc).  He also listed that I had high blood pressure, asthma, pcos, leg edema, etc. and he listed 5 years worth of weights.  I turned in that letter to Dr. Cacucci's office at my consultation along with my weigh****chers documents and that was apparently sufficient enough to get me approved without requiring the 6 months doctor supervised weight loss.  I hope this helps, and good luck!!  Melissa

I am a state employee. I was approved for RNY right after Dr. Inman's office submitted my paperwork the first time. I was only 3 months into my supervised diet with my family physician. So I would say it can't hurt to try. But start a supervised diet and exercise regimen asap in case they don't. I was told I needed to have notes that we had discussed both diet and exercise at each monthly visit for six months. I was also told missing one could mean I'd have to start over, so go in for those appointments no matter what!

I am a state employee, I havn't been approved for surgery yet, but All I need is a supervised diet, weight loss history, and a list of my failed diets and co-morbidities.  I asked about 4 people at Anthem (including Vicki, she actually faxed me the paperword) about the supervised diet, and their is no time limit!  My PCP Dr. Brooks, actually insist that I do 6 months though, just in case.  Personally I think three months would have been more than enough, but I only have 2 months left, so I am not going to complain.  But as far as I know, Anthem through the state of indiana is pretty good with approving surgeries.