tnl1031 52 Posted December 16, 2014 My BCBS of Western NY told me 3 business days. It took me an extra day because of Labor Day, but it was 3 business days after they got my paperwork. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piaffe3 6 Posted December 16, 2014 Wishing you luck! My packet goes to BCBS Federal in late January. I can't wait to find out if they will approve it. So many hoops to jump through! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kimdlawson06 141 Posted December 17, 2014 Wishing you luck! My packet goes to BCBS Federal in late January. I can't wait to find out if they will approve it. So many hoops to jump through! I did receive approval and surgery on Dec 30th. Only took a few days! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wells8710 27 Posted December 17, 2014 Thats good. I wish I could get surgery before January Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mechele8 63 Posted January 23, 2015 I have BCBS Fed as well and my packet was submitted last Friday. I called on Wednesday and it hadn't been reviewed yet. I'm thinking since Monday was a holiday it may be next week before I hear anything. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jo Ann Stidman 0 Posted January 25, 2015 I just found this site….was considering going to Mexico to have the sleeve procedure & see where you guys are working on getting Fed BC/BS to cover this in the U.S. Do you know what the criteria for the approval with insurance to pay? I was just informed by a Facebook buddy (who doesn't have federal BC/BS) the following statement: Federal ins I believe covers it. My BC/Bs would not but it takes about 6 months prior to surgery but you have to see psychiatrist for 6 months. Is this true see a psychiatrist for 6 months? I know about 8 yrs ago a former co-worker was only about 60 lbs overweight with a couple of other weight related health issues and her Gastric procedure was paid for by Federal. I would appreciate any info given. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kimdlawson06 141 Posted January 26, 2015 It only takes 3 months. Three office appts to include nutritionist, a stress test, sleep study, and a psych appt. there was no upfront weight loss requirement either. My bmi was 36 so I needed to have 2 comorbidities which were high bp and GERD. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kimdlawson06 141 Posted January 26, 2015 It only takes 3 months. Three office appts to include nutritionist, a stress test, sleep study, and a psych appt. there was no upfront weight loss requirement either. My bmi was 36 so I needed to have 2 comorbidities which were high bp and GERD. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kimdlawson06 141 Posted January 26, 2015 It only takes 3 months. Three office appts to include nutritionist, a stress test, sleep study, and a psych appt. there was no upfront weight loss requirement either. My bmi was 36 so I needed to have 2 comorbidities which were high bp and GERD. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kimdlawson06 141 Posted January 26, 2015 It only takes 3 months. Three office appts to include nutritionist, a stress test, sleep study, and a psych appt. there was no upfront weight loss requirement either. My bmi was 36 so I needed to have 2 comorbidities which were high bp and GERD. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piaffe3 6 Posted January 27, 2015 My request was sent through to BCBS Federal on Friday 01/23/15. Anxiously awaiting their response. I had to do the 6 month supervised visit, psych consult, nutritionist visit, and endoscopy. I got through all of these hurdles and am hoping it is enough. *Fingers crossed* Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jo Ann Stidman 0 Posted January 27, 2015 I spoke to Bariatric Surgery Insurance Specialist today and she told me she was very familiar with Fed BC/BS. Her info to me was 35 BMI-40 with health related obesity issue such as diabetics II, sleep apnea. If 40+ considered morbidly obese so different criteria. She said I could come in they could see if I qualify (5 hr drive when roads are not snow covered). There is a 3 month surgery prep including 3month nutritionist/psych visit. I think I am borderline to being 35BMI/with possible diabetic II (runs in my family) with sleep apnea….but of course have to be tested. Another statement the office made to me is if I go to MX to have this procedure, that my BC/BS might cover me if I occur complications, esp if I was never approved. It started me to thinking…..what if???? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites