mobroke

Hello all! I was wondering what insurance in Arkansas covers weight loss surgery? I do have Arkansas Works through Blue Cross Blue Shield, which is funded by Arkansas Medicaid. I’ve been told by different hospitals that it doesn’t cover weight loss surgery. But I also chose this plan because I was told over the phone it paid for the vertical sleeve. I’ve researched a million different types of insurance, and been told a million different things. I fit all the criteria, and have the weight loss attempts documented. I’ve seen a therapist, nutritionist, and have a letter from a surgeon saying I could benefit from the surgery, which is all the conditions of BCBS. I’ve damn near had a surgery date set a handful of times, waiting on insurance approval but every time they say it’s excluded in my plan, and it’s upsetting because I begin the process being told it does cover. Pay out of pocket for other stuff, and get excited thinking it’ll be different this time. For the last 3 years, I’ve chosen insurance based on the coverage for bariatric surgery, then once I’m locked in to a plan and they tell me to go ahead and jump through all these hoops to make sure I fit the criteria while I wait for approval, I’m told differently and I’m disappointed. I’m getting a little upset!

Has anyone ever gone through WeightWise for surgery? They’re the closest affordable option for me, as my insurance won’t cover anything in the way of gastric surgery/weight loss surgery. Any info or stories are greatly appreciated!

Hello all! I’ve been going through this journey for a painstakingly long amount of time! I’ve been trying to get the gastric sleeve surgery for years. My old insurance started off telling me they do cover the procedure, so I went 6 months into the process for the program coordinator at the hospital to call me last minute and tell me that it was not in fact covered under my insurance. So at the beginning of this year when it was time to choose a new policy, I specifically picked one that would cover it. I even called to confirm. BUT! When I received the updated overview of coverage for 2020, they had JUST amended the policy to exclude bariatric surgery. How crummy?!? So since I cannot win, and insurance companies do not want to play nice, does anyone recommend or has had surgery at Blossom Bariatrics in NV? I’ve read testimonials but only from their website and YouTube page. I wanna hear from an actual patient, so I know it’s not all fluff. Their website also states their doing $6K pricing right now. So is that everything? Even without insurance? If anyone has any insights, and can tell me if it’s legitimate. Please let me know!! Thank you all!

I just know my insurance won’t cover it. I’d be willing to fly to Vegas, or even drive. I live in Arkansas and my family is from California, so we’ve made that drive plenty of times. It sucks, but it’s cheaper than buying plane tickets for 8 people. Blossom called me a few months ago because I filled out a request form on their website, I was just at work and never called them back. I got discouraged because like I said my new insurance this year decided to amend weight loss surgery and not cover it. I could get a medical loan, or even use care credit if they accept it. Since corona, I’m only working 2 days a week now. So maybe once it lightens up and I can get more days at work, I can afford the monthly payments for a self pay surgeon in my area. But until then, I’m open to all options. I’ve even heard Alabama and Florida have cheap options which are closer to me by far.

Thank you both for the reviews!!! I will certainly look into it! I don’t have the 10K at the moment, but I’m saving up and about halfway there. The website says around $6K-$7K for the cost of the surgery, but I need to make sure I’ve got bills and everything else covered as well! Thank you!!

I read that most BCBS plans cover WLS, but in our policy outline for some reason it said that it didn’t cover it. But I called customer service today, and the rep answered all the questions on my sheet, and assured me that it was covered.

Hello! I’m very new to this site and just beginning my journey. I am attending a bariatric surgery seminar next Monday to learn about my options for WLS & meet the surgeons. I have insurance through BCBS Arkansas, through work. Our outline of coverage says, “Services your plan generally does not cover,” and lists a bunch of services including bariatric surgery. Has anyone had ABCBS and appealed after a denial? I’m thinking that would be my best move, or wait 2 years until we switch insurance plans and hope that it’s covered under the new one. I’ve heard great things about BCBS, and even read a statement by them that says they believe bariatric surgery is vital to a long healthy life, etc. Yet, it’s not covered in my particular plan. I cannot even see a doctor or surgeon,(outside of the seminar next week) until I have approval from my insurance. Thank you in advance.

Yes! The rep gave me websites with information and our plans outlines as far as coverage and requirements! 🙌🏻

Not sure why I’m getting two different stories, but he said it was covered so I’m running with it!

Thank you both! I thought that would be the case. i received my packet of paperwork for my seminar yesterday after work, and there was a form included with questions to ask an insurance representative. He informed me that per my policy bariatric surgery is covered!😁 I’m super nervous and excited for this journey!

And I’m also considering gastric sleeve! So sorry if this was posted to the wrong spot, still new here😭