babbs2299 15 Posted December 9, 2015 Switch to BCBS as soon as you can. They are very supportive of bariatric surgery. My whole process was a breeze. It took 3 months and a couple of appts. Cross the t's, dot the I's sort of thing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SusanB55 89 Posted December 9, 2015 Thank you! Do you have basic or standard? That's my biggest dilemma right now. Basic is $153 less per month than standard, but other than copays and deductible, I don't see why the vast premium difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
babbs2299 15 Posted December 10, 2015 I have standard which is a PPO and it has worked very well for me and my family. Is it worth the extra cash in my opinion? Yes, being able to go to whatever provider I want to has its perks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RDub 57 Posted December 10, 2015 I have the standard as well, and agree...the whole process could not have been simpler. Highly recommend BCBS Federal! I know several others that had this surgery with different insurance and I had the shortest pre-op diet requirements and quickest approval. I have paid less than $500 out of pocket for everything from copays to labs and surgery. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nomoremeds 27 Posted December 10, 2015 I have basic and I had no problems getting approved. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barbara Stuart 2 Posted December 13, 2015 I have blue cross blue shield fed bmi 37. With sleep apnea, high blood pressure and 2 year history. Approval came in 2 days. Surgery date 12/22. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RNYDawn 160 Posted January 3, 2016 @@Barbara Stuart how are you doing! My insurance coordinator is supposed to turn in my package this week and I'm really really hoping for a fast approval too! With the holidays and such, I just hope my insurance coordinator isn't delayed because she's super busy after vacation Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewLife1985 45 Posted January 8, 2016 @RYNDawn Any news? My package will be turned in tomorrow! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RNYDawn 160 Posted January 13, 2016 @RYNDawn Any news? My package will be turned in tomorrow! Yes!! Turned in 1-7 Approved 1-11 Notified 1-12! Good luck! I called/annoyed insurance pre-cert pretty much every day except over the weekend. ???? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jane13 2,256 Posted January 13, 2016 @@RNYDawn - I also have BCBS Fed and it was pretty quick, can you move your surgery date? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RNYDawn 160 Posted January 13, 2016 @@RNYDawn - I also have BCBS Fed and it was pretty quick, can you move your surgery date? Hi! No, I was hoping for earlier and kind of begged (hehe) but Feb 17 was the earliest they could get me in. It works out because I have a follow up sleep study this weekend and have to get fitted for my CPAP. I also have to be on my CPAP for two weeks prior to surgery so the timing will work out I think. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewLife1985 45 Posted January 13, 2016 Yay congratulations! I'm hoping for February surgery as well! Actually my package isn't going to be turned in until today or tomorrow! Today is my last NUT appt! I don't know why I type tomorrow instead of next week... LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MeFirst 65 Posted January 13, 2016 That's awesome! I have my last NUT class this Friday, but then have to go to a pre-op class Feb 8. I don't think my packet will be submitted to BCBS Fed until after the Feb appt. keep me posted on how long your approval takes, "newlife" ???????? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewLife1985 45 Posted January 14, 2016 @@MeFirst I will! I'm going to call my insurance to make sure they got all my stuff this afternoon... Then I don't plan on bugging them till next Tuesday... LOL Fingers crossed! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SesaAlegria 12 Posted January 14, 2016 I know it's difficult waiting to hear back from them! I have BCBS Federal too, and they approved me within a couple of days. I couldn't wait, so I called the insurance company itself to find out LOL. Good luck! @@MeFirst I will! I'm going to call my insurance to make sure they got all my stuff this afternoon... Then I don't plan on bugging them till next Tuesday... LOL Fingers crossed! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites