Blue Cross Blue Shield & Aetna

sweetrepose · October 1, 2006

Hi there! I am considering the Lap Band. I have insurance with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oregon and I believe they do not cover it, still researching that. My husband uses my insurance, but Aetna is available to him and a spouse with a monthly fee of course. His insurance covers bariatric surgery, so I was thinking of havin my husband sign up for insurance through his work and get us covered asap. Does anyone know if there is a waiting period from the time you sign up to the time you apply to have them pay for the Lap Band???? I would love it if both insurances would cover it....

GayleTX · October 1, 2006

Every insurance carrier is different and every company has a different agreement with their carrier. The only way to know is to communicate directly with the Customer Service for each comany's insurance carrier.

sherilynn · October 1, 2006

I went to my first seminar last week. The surgical team brought with them the head of their insurance department; who's been doing this for years. I told her that I currently have Aetna and she said they are THE worst when it comes to paying for Bariatric surgeries. My plan is to take on new insurance next month when my company comes up for renewal. I'm lucky to work for a major Pharma company that has GREAT insurance choices. Anyway, she told me to go with Blue Cross/Blue Shield or United Healthcare; as they are the best for approvals of the surgery, customer service, etc.

What I am doing now is getting all my 'pre' work done with Aetna, then I'll switch 1/07 and have the surgery approved that way.

PugMaster · October 2, 2006

I have Aetna. I did their 3 month multi-disciplinary program with my PCP and a registered dietician while searching for a surgeon. My surgeon submitted the paperwork to Aetna and they approved me for the Lap-Band within a week. The whole process will be about 15 weeks beginning to end and I have had Aetna for only 6 months. Every company's plan is different but I would not dismiss Aetna out of hand.

Mystyblu · October 5, 2006

I have Aetna also. I had to do a 6 month Doc supervised diet program but once that was done Aetna took less than a week to approve surgery.

ralheit · October 5, 2006

Often it is your companies choice whether they allow bariatric surgery in their contract with the insurance company. Have your husband check with his HR department about coverage.Good Luck.