DaDrillSgtsWife

Hey all We all know by now that tricare does not pay for lap band. ALthough some people have luck getting them to do so. It seems like the only option for us in going through a military hospital. Can someone give me the names of all the military hospitals that perform lap band? I have been trying to locate the info online for months with no results. Also, does anyone know if it's possible to travel outside your region to goto one of those mtf that do it? It is my understanding (from talking to people) that walter reed does ( I heard a rumor that they are closing that hospital), fort bliss is starting in January, and wilford hall on lackland afb may or may not be doing it. I would really appreciate any help with this.

Dani I am SO sorry that you had this experience. Those who haven't been there often don't understand or what to. I believe she was trying to get to you. Don't give her the pleasure of giving up! I also have tricare and I know it's hard. Be Blessed and keep the faith!

Dani i looked up that information. I may be wrong but it says champusva. Champusva is for retirees. So, for those of us who are active duty dependents, tricare prime or standard is our only option. But I may be completely wronf. I am not very knowledgeable at all on this stuff. I've been married 6 yrs and I just learned what LES stands for lol. I hope so one weighs in on that info. I SOOOOOO hope I'm wrong!!!

Hey minipinmom, I saw that you had posted that tricare had approved you.:clap2: Have you gotten a surgery date yet? I really hope it all works out

hey dotofoz I did goto obesityhelp. that is actually where i spoke to the folks who gave me the information i have. I will go back in look under insurance. Thanks! i tried going to the various hospitals sites, but they don't list what all types of surgery they do, just a generalize category. It's so frustrating. Do you know anything about traveling outside of your own region. I'm at fort leonard wood in tricare west. My husband is trying to get stationed at fort hood. I have heard that wilford hall on lackland is doing it. I also hear that all mtfs that do wls have tremedous waiting list. I would be willing to go down there for all my preop stuff now since my hometown is like 5 hours away.

Leah, I think all of us with Tricare understand your frustration. I never really started the process because of that exact reason. I am looking into getting it done at a military hospital. I also have heard that some feel that when tricare renews their contract in O7, they will cover lap band. Some feel that way because tricare for life, champusva, medicaid and medicare all cover it now. So, just keep the faith and look into other options. Be blessed

Miper, I agree with you, I really hope that isn't the case. I mean they pay so much for bypass on a daily basis. You would think they would be willing to pay the lower price without cutting into the price too much. Also, I have heard that many believe that tricare will start paying for the band real soon since medicare and medicaid started doing it. ALso champus va does it as well. I am just keeping my figures crossed.

hi minpinmom I know what you mean about lbt. this sit has been such a blessing to me as well. i wish you well in dealing with tricare. they can be such jerks when it comes to approving lap band . you would think they would be all on board for a surgery that less expensive and safer. i am prayerful that a change is soon to come. i am pretty much at a stand still until tricare comes to their senses for the time being. be blessed keep me posted as you continue your journey

Randi, Thanks for the update. I am prayerful that it works out for you! I can't wait till tricare give the band the same approval it gives rny. that way we won't have to go through all this. God bless

hi amberkamom and randi Thanks amberkamom for starting this post. I was curious about the same thing. Also thanks randi for the information. I am really prayerful that tricare wakes up. I was just looking into purchasing a policy through an insurance company that approves the surgery. Seeing, this I am hopeful that I won't have to go that route!!! :clap2: Randi PLEASE keep us all posted.

HI everyone I was curious if your chances of getting the lap band through Tricare were better if you had standard. I know that with standard there is a co pay, but I would much rather co pay than pay out of pocket completely and start my new life. If anyone has any information or knowledge in this area, I would greatly appreciate it! :help:

Hi amberakamom I'm not much of a military whiz so I may be wrong, but I believe Champus VA is only for retired military and my husband is active duty. It is my understanding from reading some of the other threads about tricare that tricare for life (also offered to retirees) and champus alread approve the band. But I my be completly off with that. I do appreciate the information though. Thanks :cool:

Hello all! I am new here and looking to be banded. Unfortunately, my biggest delay is my insurance. I have Tricare, a military insurance. They do not cover the band. However, I am looking at it as more time to get better informed on the surgery and pros and cons. I am also establishing some of the habits that one must live by post band. If anyone can be of any help or any suggestions, I would love it! Also, anyone have any new information about Tricare, I would love that as well. Thanks and God bless!

Thanks for the help. I am in the same boat. I am so tired of waiting on Tricare. However self pay is NOT an option for me. I am really prayerful that they will come around soon. I have heard conflicting stories about finding other drs to do fills once one had banded you. Maybe that's part of the dilemma with tricare. Anways, I wish you well on your journey as well!