ravenjeh

I just called my insurance company (BC/BS of MS) and was told that they do not cover any type of bariatric surgery or treatment. I then asked what if I appealed and the doctor deemed it medically necessary and was told that no it would get denied and probably would get stuck with the bill afterwards. I have no idea what to do now... so upset. You would think that the most obese state in the US would definitely have coverage for this :confused:

I know, Nangr. I so cannot afford a huge loan payment, not that it matters because I got denied by credit care anyway due to my credit history. The only program I have not tried is a medically supervised one, like HMR. So I'm going to a seminar on it tomorrow. Probably can't afford that either, lol. Soooo discouraging

You're right, Betsy; I was told that my husband's employer was responsible for choosing what and what not to be included. So, I guess I can't really be mad at the insurance company. So, this is my plan B, lol. I was thinking that maybe I could drop my coverage on my husband's plan and get my own individual policy through another company (maybe Aetna?) that is more likely to include the surgery. Has anybody done this? Any thoughts??

Hey guys- I'm new; just decided that I want to do this. I go Tuesday night for the free seminar at River Oaks Hospital. I live in the Jackson area. Has anyone had the surgery through River Oaks, or by the surgeons there? Also, I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of MS. Has anyone had problems getting approved through these guys? I'm very scared that I am going to have to fight insurance on this. My policy states an exclusion on "exogenous obesity" and treatment through surgery or drugs. I'm hoping that since "exogenous" means obesity caused by overeating, that they will approve me because it is "medically necessary". Anyone have any advice?

I'm hoping to get the okay for Lap-Band®, but my insurance policy (Blue Cross Blue Shield of MS) says this under "Limitations and Exclusions": "Exogenous obesity, including any prescription drugs, surgery or other treatment." Has anyone else encountered this in their policy? I know "exogenous" means obesity caused by overeating, but really hoping that means they will still cover it if it is deemed medically necessary. Any advice?

I have wondered this myself. I have suffered with severe depression my entire life, even back when I was thin. I am on antidepressants and hope that it doesn't count against me. I am well aware that depression is a disease and it probably won't ever go away in my case. But, I know for a fact that my self esteem was much higher when I was thin and happier about my appearance.

I'm hoping to get the okay for Lap-Band, but my insurance policy says this under "Limitations and Exclusions": "Exogenous obesity, including any prescription drugs, surgery or other treatment." Has anyone else encountered this in their policy? I know "exogenous" means obesity caused by overeating, but really hoping that means they will still cover it if it is deemed medically necessary. Any advice?

Hey guys! I'm completely new to this; just decided today that Lap-Band is probably the best choice for me. I go to a free seminar this Tuesday night. Right now my BMI is 39, but I also suffer from PCOS. I'm hoping that insurance will at least partially cover this (fingers crossed). I'm super excited and nervous. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks! Jennifer

Hello! My name is Jennifer and I live in MS. I am so tired of yo-yo dieting and exercise that does nothing for me. I'm 26 and only rank a 37 BMI- I have read that the minimum BMI is 40 without any weight caused health problems. Has this been a problem for anyone else? I just wonder if there are doctors that make exceptions to the BMI rule. Also, I have no insurance anyway so I don't even know if this is possible, but I have been dreaming of lapband for a while now. If you guys can give me any info (especially about surgeons in Mississippi) I would be so grateful. Thanks everyone! Jennifer