Insurance Company Approval????

[dar36 5]

My doctor is sending the letter to insurance today for approval. I have Excellus BCBS. Is it true it takes almost 6 weeks to get a reply? How long did it take everyone to hear from the insurance company?

Thanks!

[spoiltmom 44]

My insurance company said up to 30 days but it only took them 8 to approve me.

[Lap2Fab 3]

I have Anthem BCBS, my paperwork was sent in on Wed. 7/21 and I received my approval letter dated Thurs 7/22 on 7/26! Very impressed with Anthem! I was told it could take weeks too but if they have all that they need, it's much quicker. I was so worried and it ended up being easier than I expected.

[dar36 5]

Thank you so much. That makes me feel better! I have all sollid documentation so i hope i get my approval soon! I can't wait!

[Lap2Fab 3]

I was worried too because my BMI wasn't 40, but as long as you have documented comorbidities, it should be fine! What we all have is a disease, it doesn't matter if your BMI is 50 or 35, it's just not healthy. We all just want to enjoy our lives! Let us know how it goes! It's a long process, but I can't even believe I'm on the pre-op diet!

[dar36 5]

I was worried too because my BMI wasn't 40, but as long as you have documented comorbidities, it should be fine! What we all have is a disease, it doesn't matter if your BMI is 50 or 35, it's just not healthy. We all just want to enjoy our lives! Let us know how it goes! It's a long process, but I can't even believe I'm on the pre-op diet!

That is why I am worried....my BMI wasn't 40, but I have a list of comomorbidities a mile long, which are documented. I don't see why my insurance company wouldn't approve since I meet the requirements, but I guess you never know with insurance companies. I eagerly awai the newst!

[Lap2Fab 3]

My BMI was 35.8 when it was submitted and I was so nervous that they would not approve it. I too have a laundry list of illnesses. I have not told anyone except my husband that I am having the surgery. I don't feel guilty about keeping it to myself, I think it's a personal choice. Hopefully the weight comes off slowly and I can just say that I'm doing my "small plate diet" (which is just using a salad plate and I lost 60 lbs in the past but gained it back...this time I won't!) I think my friends would be supportive, but I also don't want anyone telling me it was the wrong decision or telling me horror stories. I think it's a huge decision that I haven't taken lightly, I have taken 6 months to learn all that I can, and it's definitely not the easy way out.

[dar36 5]

My BMI was 35.8 when it was submitted and I was so nervous that they would not approve it. I too have a laundry list of illnesses. I have not told anyone except my husband that I am having the surgery. I don't feel guilty about keeping it to myself, I think it's a personal choice. Hopefully the weight comes off slowly and I can just say that I'm doing my "small plate diet" (which is just using a salad plate and I lost 60 lbs in the past but gained it back...this time I won't!) I think my friends would be supportive, but I also don't want anyone telling me it was the wrong decision or telling me horror stories. I think it's a huge decision that I haven't taken lightly, I have taken 6 months to learn all that I can, and it's definitely not the easy way out.

Obviously, my husband knows and he has been my biggest supporter and biggest fan. I told my two closest friends, and decided I would tell my immediate family, but the responses haven't always been supportive or positive. I agree with not telling anyone and I wish that I didn't tell a few people. This is a huge decision and anyone who hasn't been through what we have does think it is the easy way out. I am sick of people's opinions quite honestly. I should have done this only with my husband, but it is too late now.

I started thinking about this one year ago and decided to start the process in January. I initially had doubts but as the year progessed and the worse my health was getting I know I made the best decision of my life. I am moving forward and not looking back. I am 100 % ready and am totally positive and do not want negativity in my life. It is harmful and unhealthy on so many levles.

I am happy for you and wish you all the best in the world.

Thank you for responding.

[spoiltmom 44]

My BMI wasn't 40 either but my co morbidities got me qualified anyway.

Good luck to you!

[kagead 0]

I have BCBSIL, my BMI was 40 and I was using a Blue Cross Blue Shield Bariatric Center of Excellence, so they were very familiar with the paperwork requirements.

It took 12 business days to receive approval and I called almost every day. I was very nice and so were the people in the predetermination department, but it still took over 2 weeks.

kagead

[chriper 0]

Thank you all for your post. I was concerned about this too. I have my final appointment on 8/19 for my 3 month supervised weight loss attempt then it goes to the insurance company. My BMI is well over 40, and I am on blood pressure meds, but I am concerned over if they are expecting me to lose a lot of weight during this time. My doctor, nutrionist and I have worked hard over the last few years but while I lose inches I don't lose wieght...should I be concerned?

[Beachbunny 5]

I was approved by my BCBS in 3 days!

Edited July 30, 2010 by Beachbunny

[chriper 0]

wow that was fast. My policy makes me wait 3 months waiting period it doesn't seem like you had to do that. My consult was 5/20, nutrition 6/3, pysch eval 6/10 and pcp visits 5/24, 6/18, 7/19, and 8/13. Its so drawn out. But your story gives me hope.

[stateofzen 46]

I was approved with BCBS AL in 15 minutes, not kidding. Just this morning, actually! I got a call from my docs office with a question about my insurance and she said she was going to call it in for approval-- called me back 15 minutes later and said she got it and they'd get back to me Monday to schedule the surgery.

It's a little surreal. This time last year I was one month away from finishing my 6 month diet and I found out that my workplace insurance excluded bariatric surgery. I was pretty crushed, and mad at myself for not knowing it sooner but it was probably a blessing in disguise because I got to build some confidence that I could make the changes I needed to succeed. I switched to my husband's insurance, which does cover it, and after procrastinating for another 6 months on finishing the final things (my psych eval, faxing records), I got it in and I'm now approved.

Wee!

[chriper 0]

That's awesome! I know that had to be a relief after your experience last year. I'm curious, did they expect you to lose any weight for approval?