Federal BCBS approval when falling under 35 BMI

[NewLife1985 45]

One of the requirements for BCBS Federal Is you have to have a minimum BMI of 35 for 2 year consecutive years... I was wondering if anyone has been approved after falling below a 35 the previous year?

My PCP has this as my weight record

Feb 2014- 204

October 2014-214

January 2015- 215

September 2015- 225

Current-227

Any advice would be great

[VDLT 244]

I had BCBS Fed Basic but my BMI was higher than that and I was also a revision from band. I wrote a two page letter explaining my issues and advocating for myself. You might want to try to do that. I would note that your weight has been climbing steadily and that you don't want to see that keep happening.

According to your notes you met the 35 BMI requirement in October of 2014, correct? If they turn you down you can always try again in October.

Since it is open season right now you might want to check into the other options available and see if one of them might have different guidelines and switch for the year. I love my Fed Basic though. There are several of us on here that have been approved by Fepblue, you might want to do a search and look at those threads. Good luck!

[jane13 2,256]

@@NewLife1985 - not to sound like a smart a$$ but are you actually 5'5"??? I checked and at 5'4" and 204 lbs you would be at a 35 BMI -

The doctors office measured me and said if they wanted to push my BMI up they could use my height as 5'7" (I have shrunk a little now at 52).

[NewLife1985 45]

@@VDLT

It so happens the BCBS lady is at my work this morning and she said not to pay attention to the requirements there are always ways around them... My surgeons office will know what is needed. She was really cool and even told me I can make a fake log of activity! (LOL) I have an appointment with my surgeon next Wednesday I will ask them what insurance they recommend I am definitely willing to switch but I too LOVE BCBS! I hope I don't have to wait till next October but It is what it is and everything happens for a reason... It just stinks that it is time wasted and I could lose so much weight during that time! I am 30 and suffer from Hypertension and it is horrible! Thank you so much for your advice I really appreciate it! I will keep you guys updated!

[NewLife1985 45]

@@jane13

THAT IS SO AWESOME! So they don't measure you at the surgeons office? What about my PCP who has history of my height? Won't they find out? I am a chicken! lol

[jane13 2,256]

@@NewLife1985 - actually they did measure me and so did the NUT. My NUT was the one who told me I was just under 5'8" (shoeless). Measure yourself - it cant hurt. Point is, they may have you recorded at the wrong height

I was over the BCBS fed BMI req plus I had two comorbidities.

[meltravlr 19]

I was just denied for having s BMI that fell to 34.98.... Not kidding. I am 40 now. They were supposed to call my surgeon yesterday for a peer to peer but they didn't so now the next call isn't until 11/18. I was supposed to have surgery on the 24th of this month, but now they may give my surgery date to someone with approval and my surgeon is taking several weeks off in December... So I would have to wait until next year. Completely bummed. I am also fep blue basic option. Co morbidities of GERD, joint pain and hyperlipemia. Hope it works out better for you.

[NewLife1985 45]

@@meltravlr

Wishing you Luck and sending prayers for tomorrow's peer to peer!

[kadie777 50]

I was just denied by bcbs fed even though over bmi of 35 but was below in 2013. Any tips?

[NewLife1985 45]

If you wait till January you can use 2014 2015 2016...

[fluffytofit 25]

^{A girl at my job was approved with Federal BCBS with a BMI under 40 with NO comorbidities. She thought for sure she was going to get denied. Keep the hope!}