Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

What copay are you talking about?

When I spoke to an insurance specialist, she stated that bcbs instated a 5000 copay in 2011 for all weight loss surgeries. She said some doctors waive this. I was just wondering if this happened in your case. For me, it would mean paying 6-7000 versus 1000 for the surgery! Big difference!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was never told anything about 5,000 they just had me pay my hospital fee and their dr fee which came out to be 1,345!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am so glad to hear this - I should be submitted to BCBS the first week of April!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have BCBS Federal and they approved it in 1 day! I was in such shock. My first reaction was I am not ready. I got a letter from BCBS Sat and they said my surgery was approved for April 29. I haven't heard my date yet from my bariatric office. What? BCBS is getting very efficient.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree it is the best. I had my surgery 12/4/12. First saw surgeon on 10/24/12 and was approved in like 5 days. As for deductable mine was 3000.00 but Dr. Kim has it where no one pays over1500.00 out of pocket. I ended up paying 976.00 total.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have BCBS of TX and the hospital made me pay $2150 before they would go any further. Doctors office hasn't given me any ideas on how much Doctor's portion will be also had to give the anesthesiologist a $250 deposit. I was willing to do whatever it took to have this surgery. I had to take a loan and borrow money from family but I got what I needed up front and now it's done so guess ill see what happens when the bills start rolling in.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Paperwork submitted today. Waiting begins. Surgeons office said blue cross could take 2-3 weeks to respond. I hope not that long. I have to pay the surgeons fee of a whopping 360 bucks without hernia repair or 560 with hernia repair. I can't complain about that price. Wish me look for approval.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I too have BCBS/TX. I called the surgeon today (who I had the lap band through) but the girl answering the phone acted like it is up to me to figure out if my insurance covers it. Now what? I have no idea where to start !!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I too have BCBS/TX. I called the surgeon today (who I had the lap band through) but the girl answering the phone acted like it is up to me to figure out if my insurance covers it. Now what? I have no idea where to start !!!

I called the customer service number on my card and asked if the plan my employeer had covered bariatrics. They told me exactly what procedures they did and what the criteria was to have the surgery. They explained the financial portion also. They also told me after I met all the criteria and the surgeon submitted paperwork for predetermination it would take about 5-7 days to get approval. Very smoothe process so far.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I called the customer service number on my card and asked if the plan my employeer had covered bariatrics. They told me exactly what procedures they did and what the criteria was to have the surgery. They explained the financial portion also. They also told me after I met all the criteria and the surgeon submitted paperwork for predetermination it would take about 5-7 days to get approval. Very smoothe process so far.

I wish the customer service rep. would have been a little less vague and told me more on the phone! I am curious what the criteria is. I guess I should call my surgeon's office back and tell them what I have found and see what to do next.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wish the customer service rep. would have been a little less vague and told me more on the phone! I am curious what the criteria is. I guess I should call my surgeon's office back and tell them what I have found and see what to do next.

I would try calling the insurance back and hopefully get some good "customer service" this time. Your insurance carrier has the specifics of your plan and your surgeons office does not. I think if you get the right agent at blue cross all your questions could be answered for you. i know it can be nerve wracking especially when someone is not giving you vital information, but hang in there and keep pushing you way to sleevedom.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree - keep calling until you get someone that will help you. They know the info - but customer service isn't always the priority....eventually you will get the right person on the phone to help you.....maybe a litte sniffle and tears will help! LOL

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow everybody.....so I was just told by my surgeon's office that I would have to gain 25 MORE POUNDS before they will even send off the forms to try and get me approved by insurance. Never in my life have I ever been told I needed to gain weight. EVER! Apparently because I can't check any of the little boxes off on the criteria for what they feel you should have to be worthy of this surgery. HMMMM now I am in a very interesting situation. What in the world is that going to do to me mentally. Also, I am assuming that I still may not get approved even after gaining the 25lbs and having the 40 and over BMI. WOW.....a lot to think about......... :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow everybody.....so I was just told by my surgeon's office that I would have to gain 25 MORE POUNDS before they will even send off the forms to try and get me approved by insurance. Never in my life have I ever been told I needed to gain weight. EVER! Apparently because I can't check any of the little boxes off on the criteria for what they feel you should have to be worthy of this surgery. HMMMM now I am in a very interesting situation. What in the world is that going to do to me mentally. Also, I am assuming that I still may not get approved even after gaining the 25lbs and having the 40 and over BMI. WOW.....a lot to think about......... :(

Where is the dislike button for this????? :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×