My Insurance is Finally Covering Bariatric Surgery as of Jan 2016

[dpaperin]

Hi, I'm Dawn. I am 45 years old, 5'1" and weigh 270. I have struggled with weight since having each of my children. Then it just progressed. I have asthma and prednisone helped me balloon up to my highest weight now. Last year my primary care doctor suggested the gastric sleeve and said she had other patients who had great long term results but unfortunately my insurance BCBS of Illinois (through UPS) didn't cover anything weight loss related. I was really upset. I have tried so many weight loss options, weight watchers, Center for medical weight loss. I did have some good with them but the weight just never stayed off for one reason or another. I just got a notice in the mail a week ago from my insurance and BCBS said that there are health benefits for overweight people to have bariatric surgery and will begin covering the surgery as of January 2016! I am so excited. I am going to attend the seminar and then follow-up with a consult with the weight loss surgeon. I am glad to finally be starting this journey.

[paradoxcowgirl]

That is AWESOME news! Are you going to schedule a consultation for January??? I would!

[jojonavery]

Hi Dawn!

I am scheduled to have surgery on Monday and I have the same exact insurance you have. My husband works for UPS. I am paying for the majority of my surgery at this point. What did you receive that said they will start covering the surgery? Thank you! Jennifer

[dpaperin]

Hi Dawn!

I am scheduled to have surgery on Monday and I have the same exact insurance you have. My husband works for UPS. I am paying for the majority of my surgery at this point. What did you receive that said they will start covering the surgery? Thank you! Jennifer

I got a letter in the mail saying they were going to start covering as of January 2016. I don't know what or how much as I called the myteamcare.org site (who handles insurance) to confirm they said it would be covered after new year but they had no further information until Jan 1, 2016. It is also listed under their news info at the top of their web page when you sign in. Here is the clip from the letter attached. Good luck with your surgery. IMG_4835.JPG

[dpaperin]

That is AWESOME news! Are you going to schedule a consultation for January??? I would!

I go to the seminar on December 3rd. At the seminar I make the appointment with the doctor. Nothing can be submitted to the insurance until Jan 1, 2016 for consideration. I'm sure I meet the criteria as I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Asthma, possible sleep apnea did the home study this past week waiting on results. I know there is many more hoops to jump through but I hope it all works out.

[Victerria]

There are many hoops but if you proceed and take one day at time, you will be surprised how quick the day comes. I started my presurgery 3 month nutrition visits in August, had egd, surgeon visit, and now I have my surgery date for Nov 23. This site has prepared me with so much information and en ouragement! I am on the 1st week of the special preop liquid diet and so far all has gone smoothly, taking one day at a time. I am shorter than you by the way at 4 ft 11.5 inches!

[cathbas]

Welcome! It is a long process but oh so worth it!!

[kleb42]

My process has taken about 6 months, don't let that discourage you....there are a lot of hoops to jump through, but it will all be worth it in the end. If I could tell myself anything six months ago it's this....Start working out and dieting now!