Insurance Help (through the state of Virginia):

Hi there! I just signed up and thought maybe some of you could give me some guidance or advice with insurance. I'm looking to have the surgery with Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance that state employee's receive. Has anyone had the surgery with this insurance? If so, what'd you have to go through? What was the cost? Thank you so much for any help. :) It really means a lot to me!! Megan

Hi Megan. Are you talking about VA state employees. I am a state employee and I used the BCBS for my surgery. I qualified because of my BMI. Did all my preop etc. Basically I paid my percents for my lab work, specialist copays, hospital copay and the fee for the nutritionist and that was it. I didn't really pay much out of pocket at all. Did not have to do a psych because my dr didn't require it. Just did the blood work, nutrition classes, EGD and I think that was it. Hope this helps. Courtney

Hi Courtney! Yes, my dad is a retired state employee and I'm going to go back on his insurance while I'm finishing college. Were there any out of pocket costs for the surgery its self or just all of the co-pays? Did you have to do the six month diet or anything before hand? Or was it pretty easy? Thank you so much for your reply. I'm so excited about the opportunity to have it, but all of the insurance stuff is a little bit intimidating. Where in Virginia are you located? I used to live in Roanoke, but moved to Los Angeles, CA about a year and a half ago. Thanks again!:) Megan

Out of pocket was really very minimal. Just copays and percentages for lab fees. I did not have to do a six month diet or a psych eval. Just had to do nutrition classes. Everything was really easy. The insurance stuff is intimidating. Once you start learning your routines and vitamins and such they will seem intimidating also but it really isn't. Once you get into the routine it because so much a part of your lifestyle that most of the time you don't even think about it. I am in Manassas which is in Northern Va. I hope the process goes smoothly for you. Keep us updated on your journey. Courtney

Hi Megan, I had BCBS Fed as my husband works for the government. I had to pay a few out of pocket pre-testing costs, nutritionist costs/co pays etc and $100 hospital costs but that was about all. As I was on my husband's insurance I did not have to do any diet or phyc visits either. I went to see the doctor on the Wednesday and was approved by the following Monday. It was very easy. Good luck on your journey! Jackie

Hi Megan. I am a state employee and had my surgery in November 05. I only had the $35 copays for my Dr visits, $300 hospitilization copay and lab/xray deductible was $200 then 10 % after that. The cost was less than $500. My dr only required the psych if your insurance did and this one did not at that time. Best wishes. My time from consult to surgery was only 6 weeks because of insurance being so great in approval. Once your dr files you can go to anthem.com and login to see the approval before you get the letter in the mail. Mine was submitted on Friday and approval was there Monday morning. Shannon

Hi! Thank you all so much! I'm soo happy to know that people have had positive experiences with VA BC/BS. I'm hoping to be able to have the surgery before the end of the year. I really appreciate all of the answers and details, like I said above...all of this insurance stuff can get confusing, even though I'm in Los Angeles, I'll keep you all updated. Thanks again!!