Companies with Insurance Policies that cover WLS?!?!

I know T-Mobile has an insurance policy that covers WLS. I have two friends that work there and have had successful surgery.  Problem is, I can't seem to get a job there...so it got me thinking. What other large companies have insurance policies that cover WLS? Does anyone know if Wal-Mart or Lowe's has policies that cover WLS and how I would find out??? Thank you, Leah

Good question Leah, I have often wondered the same thing!

I believe that Lowe's and Home Depot have policies that cover WLS, but I am not real sure.  I wouldn't work at Wal-Mart because it has a very long history of wage and hour violations and many wage and hour claims.  Judges have ruled against Wal-Mart in lawsuits involving labor. I know for sure that the State of Washington covers WLS under one of its PPO policies, but it has to be pre-authorized.  Might try municipal governments.

I also heard fredmeyers, and if you work for most hospitals. Even in the food service.

I've heard Home Depot and Starbucks

Starbucks, Starbucks Starbucks.....

work 20 hours a week for 3 months and you qualify. The insurence policy includes all kinds of weight loss surgery and has no pre-existing condition clause. You have to pay close attention to your hours though and make sure you average 20 hours a week. If you're hired tomorrow you could have your surgery as soon as 4 months from now. (if you meet all the requirments AND have already done your doctor diet which is either 3 or 6 months.)  Jenn

Any federal government agency. Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Federal Employee Program (FEP) is AWESOME. I did not need a 6 month requirement. Please note that not all BCBS PPO are the same. I can only speak for BCBS PPO FEP.

After checking into Home Depot having coverage for WLS, i went and applied and got hired (YAY!) ok i am eligible for my new coverage 1/23/08.  since being hired they had there open enrollment. I found out they are switching insurance companies from the previous one. I was still hopeful. Found out new plan is UHC which i currently have with my first employer. I received my book for my new policy. right there in black and white. WLS surgery EXCLUDED FOR BMI OVER 40............. i think its time for me to give up and throw in the towel.

Leah, I am so sorry to hear this. I have a new job, and they just switched carriers, and cannot tell me yet if it will be covered yet, either. What we need, is a database - a resource - divided by state, employer, carrier, plan, etc...that we can all report who covers and who doesn't. This site really isn't cutting it, and the fact that it's not even searchable (forums, message boards, insurance, etc) makes it even worse. I thought about starting my own site just for this reason...

Awesome Idea!!!