New member

I am 27 years old and I recently had my first consultation with my surgeon and I have decided its something I would like to do. I am new to the website and wanted to introduce myself. I am really concerned over whether or not my insurance will cover the surgery. It seems like now that I have made a decison about doing something to significantly improve my health it is out of my control and in the hands of the insurance company. If anybody could share their experience dealing with Blue Cross Blue Shield Direct HMO that would be helpful. Thanks, Vanessa

Hi Vanessa. Welcome aboard. I don't have BCBS, but my advice would be to call your insurance company and find out if they cover WLS and then what they require. For instance, my insurance requires 6 months of Dr. supervised dieting, a BMI of 40 or more or 35-39.9 with co-morbidities and a note from the surgeon saying that he believes that it is medically necessary for me to have the surgery.

Hi Vanessa! Welcome! We are a great bunch over here and I'm sure I speak for most when I say we are happy for you to join us!! I do not have that insurance but I am sure you can find someone on here to help you. Good luck w/everything and dont be a stranger! Tavia

Thanks for the warm welcome! After reading a couple of profiles and posts I can see how helpful and encourging you guy's can be! Thanks, Vanessa

welcome Vanessa. Waiting for insurance approval can be the longest few days/weeks of your life it seems. I have GHI/Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and I was approved in less than 48 hours. My phone call came from a company called Intracorp which coordinates benefits. Please keep us posted. And keep asking questions..........you will get some great support here. Plus, some nights we get together to chat. I don't remember which nights, but look for reminders here during the week. Have a great day. S

Thanks for your response!!! I just started this and it all ready seems like forever. I am going to have to try to figure something out, or this is going to be one long summer! Thanks, Vanessa

Hi Vanessa and welcome! My surgery was this past Monday 5/22 with Dr. Brathwaite. I am new here also and after a few postings realize that the people on this board have all been helpful and very supportive. I also have Empire Direct Blue Cross/Blue Shield HMO. I had been told during my months of testing that the insurance company changed the requirements to have the surgery. This was to include a 6 month medically supervised diet and exercise plan. I didn't have even 6 months of weight documentation and they approved me after the first request. The Dr's office submitted the 4 month weight chart I had and I received my approval letter only days later. I also have diabetes, so I don't know if that helped the approval or not. Good luck.---Suzette