insurance approval

[HungryMel 2]

i am nervous about getting approved w/my HIP insurance.

what do i need to know about getting approved? i am almost done with all the pre-op apts, there is nothing wrong with me health wise. my BMI is 44. has anyone got denied?

[Cocoabean 430]

What does your insurance coverage say?

Generally speaking if a band is covered, a BMI of 44 will be covered with no other co-morbid conditions needed.

[HungryMel 2]

i dont know how to find out what my coverage says. i read up on HIP covering the band and i read somewhere that they dont require 6 month supervised diet, however my surgeon said i need it. then i read somewhere that if i have no medical conditions - they might now cover. i almost cried tonight when i read that

[Cocoabean 430]

i dont know how to find out what my coverage says. i read up on HIP covering the band and i read somewhere that they dont require 6 month supervised diet, however my surgeon said i need it. then i read somewhere that if i have no medical conditions - they might now cover. i almost cried tonight when i read that

You should be able to call your provider and ask. Or they should have your coverage online. Mine has member benefits online. It states plainly what obesity surgery is covered and what the requirments for coverage is.

Call the member services number on your insurance card.

I did a search for HIP insurance, but it came up with New York, Indiana, Washington, Heath Insurance Partners, and some others.

It is possible that the surgeon wants you to do a 6 month program, even if your insurance does not require it.

[GipsyGirl 6]

I was denied the first time around because I did not have a paper from my psych then after I appealed it took them a week to approve me.

Good luck.

[Mardot 0]

My surgeon's office took care of checking it all out for me.

I never had to contact BC/BS at all.

[deedee72 4]

I was approved after 2 days. With my insurance (BCBS) as long as my BMI was over 40, I didnt have to have any comorbidities. Good luck to you!

[HungryMel 2]

i called my ins company yesterday - to be honest, they have no clue what they are talking about. the website is so confusing and i am very computer savvy.

I also spoke to my surgeon's office yesterday and discussed this concern. They told me more ppl are being approved then not and i can always appeal. some do get denied even after the appeal but if I dont loose any weight - i shouldnt have a problem. CROSS YOUR FINGERS FOR ME! thanks everyone for all of your help!!!

[GipsyGirl 6]

hey Hungry - I wish you all the best. Definetely post when you get approved. Oh, and if you do get denied altogether you could consider a different insurance. There is always a way to do what you want. It just takes time.

Good luck.

[Cocoabean 430]

i called my ins company yesterday - to be honest, they have no clue what they are talking about. the website is so confusing and i am very computer savvy.

I also spoke to my surgeon's office yesterday and discussed this concern. They told me more ppl are being approved then not and i can always appeal. some do get denied even after the appeal but if I dont loose any weight - i shouldnt have a problem. CROSS YOUR FINGERS FOR ME! thanks everyone for all of your help!!!

Fingers are crossed. You can always call insurance company back and speak with someone else, or ask for a supervisor. I spoke with a couple different people at my company, the knowledge level does differ among representatives.

Best wishes!!