Blue Cross/ Blue Shield NC now six month wait

Hello Everyone,

          I've been somewhat depressed since Saturday when I received a letter from Mission weight loss in Asheville informing me that instead of bcbsnc requiring a three month wait they now require a six month wait.  I was getting so close to the end and now I'm been knocked back further.  I will keep my Doctor appointment for next Friday and see what they say.  I know many have to wait six months anyway so I guess I now have to join them.  Open enrollment for next years insurance will open in November.  Not sure what it will bring with the Obamacare garbage kicking in.  It looks like surgery will occur in Jan or Feb 2014 if they approve it at all.  I have informed my wife if it all falls apart I will sell the house, downsize and fly to Mexico and pay for my own darn surgery.  Best wishes to all.

Sorry to hear about this disappointment! 

The six month supervised diet can be a pain, but it can also be a great opportunity and a blessing. I have had one of the easiest recoveries from VSG surgery ever and I'm convinced that it's partly due to changing MANY habits during the supervised diet. I got therapy, changed my behaviors, started walking, and decided to rid my body of carbs, sugar, caffeine, soda, etc. It was one of the best things I've ever done!!

Hang in there!

it took me 10 months to get my surgery , I had a 6 month diet, tests my surgeon required 12% weight loss for me , then my surgeon was on vacation , I got an infection and was delayed a month , but I used the time and lost 75 lb  and made the surgery

much easier I got used to eating better , no  soda ,less carbs

if you need to self pay there are other ways to pay than selling your house, there are medical loans out there to look into

 and there are many cheaper doctors in the usa if you don't want to go to Mexico

 the time will go fast

I know you are feeling discouraged, I have BCBS of TX and had to do the 6 months.  Started in January and will finally have my surgery on the 26th.  Not sure if they told you but they will also want 3 years of Dr. notes from your PCP showing your weight.  I did not know this and was denied.  Once they sent in my Dr's info it was approved within 2 days.  Best of luck to you!

Hello, I have BCBS/Indiana and I had to go thru 6 months of classes (1 a month), before surgery was approved.  It was a good amount of time for getting me prepared--got on the high protein diet and started detoxing from carbs.  Time will go faster than you think.  It's all worth it in the end!

Just a note, I didn't have to show 3 years of doctors notes. If you happen to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. it should help with approval also.

Here is something that may be worth trying..especially if u do have co-morbidities. 

Would the Sugeon be willing to contact the Medical Director at BCBSNC and discuss allowing you to have the 3 month diet requirement since you started before the change went into effect? If you have co-morbidities, a case could be made that waiting for 3 additional months will only delay the process of getting those under control.

Never underestimate the power that a medical director of a healthplan has. While they will not  speak with members (patients/policyholders)..they will always talk with a Dr. 

Best wishes.