The Best Health Inurance For Bariatric Sleeve Surgery

[SandeeD 363]

Because I'm an independent contracted worker, I pay for my own health insurance. My current policy falls under the old health care laws and will not cover any type of surgery until I'm on the policy for one year (April 2014). I received a notice that the policy will be canceled April 2014 anyway (because it doesn't abide by the new healthcare laws), so I have to change health insurance coverage before I submit for the surgery. Right now I have Horizon BCBS of NJ and can easily change over to one of their other plans. I was just wondering (since my options are now open) are there companies that anyone believes is more bariatric sleeve surgery friendly? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Cupcake 801]

Blue carte Network covers 100 percent of the surgery without any copays.

[SandeeD 363]

Did you mean blue cross?

[Cupcake 801]

Yes it is by blue cross its called blue care network.

[pear425 32]

There really is not an answer to that because every single individual policy is different even within the same carrier (BCBS, Aetna etc...) Each policy will have different requirements and pay different amounts. The best thing to do would to contact the carrier and inquire about individual policies or see if they can tell you directly what policy has bariatric coverage.

[1Day1Life4Now 882]

I have Blue Cross Blue Shield, its in the Blue Care Newtwork but my policy does not pay 100%. I have to meet my $250 deductible,I pay 15% copay of covered services. And that just is just for the hospital. The doctor is paid at 80% and I have to cover the other 20%. I also have to pay a $200 fee per hospital admission. Its not cheap but I am thankful my insurance pays something. If I didn't have coverage, I'd save up the money and go to Mexico.

[Cupcake 801]

Pear45 you are correct I have bluecare network with the state and they cover 100 percent of everything , so check with the plans in your state and your coverage .

[_imgood_ 63]

I think Humana....my process literally from start to finish two months! My surgery is on 12/5/13.

[SandeeD 363]

Thanks everyone, this was helpful.

[Angi281 77]

I have a Humana H.M.O thru my job. It pays for the surgery minus $250. And since I have a 5 year history battling wieght with a doctor I didn't have to go thru a six month supervised diet it was Aug to Nov to get the surgery with me fulfilling the surgeons requirements. I am so grateful for Humana because I got a load of what it cost today and I'd go bankrupt if I paid that. Good luck to you

Edited December 9, 2013 by angiwantstolive

[nancytole 4]

Hi Sandee

I have the same insurance as you do. The bcbs horizon of NJ. It covers the sleeve surgery. I have to meet my deductible first ($750) then it covers 90% of surgery. I believe I have to pay the 10%. What I am wondering is when do I have to pay the 10%? Does the hospital bill you for it ? Do you have to pay it up front before surgery? I am in Rhode Island

[_imgood_ 63]

Hi Sandee<br> I have the same insurance as you do. The bcbs horizon of NJ. It covers the sleeve surgery. I have to meet my deductible first ($750) then it covers 90% of surgery. I believe I have to pay the 10%. What I am wondering is when do I have to pay the 10%? Does the hospital bill you for it ? Do you have to pay it up front before surgery? I am in Rhode Island

Hi! I have Humana and I didn't meet my deductible by my surgery date. I was asked during my pre-op screening to pay what they thought I owed, I disagreed with the amount the receptionist stated I owed. She said that maybe claims were not sent in yet but that would not effect my surgery. And it did not, I was not asked for a dime on my surgery date. Good luck!

[follmerpa 35]

My family too lost coverage due to obamacare. There is good information here for me. We had BCBS Minnesota, but to keep it was 800 month with a 12,000 yearly deductible. I hope to have a new plan soon. Keep us posted on how it works out for you.

[re14768 72]

I think Humana....my process literally from start to finish two months! My surgery is on 12/5/13.

I also have Humana, did they require you to do 6 mnths diet? If not your soooooo lucky.

[re14768 72]

I have a Humana H.M.O thru my job. It pays for the surgery minus $250. And since I have a 5 year history battling wieght with a doctor I didn't have to go thru a six month supervised diet it was Aug to Nov to get the surgery with me fulfilling the surgeons requirements. I am so grateful for Humana because I got a load of what it cost today and I'd go bankrupt if I paid that. Good luck to you

Wow, really? I also have Humana, but I'm required to do the 6 months..I have been trying to lose weight with my pcp since 2006..he had me on weight lost pills in 2009..I wonder if I can use that time frame as my 5 year of overweight. .