BC/BS Why are people paying out of pocket ?

[Tanette 69]

I have been reading a lot of these post about paying out of pocket or co pays. Why is anyone paying out of pocket of the insurance covers the cost. I would go nuts if I had to pay anything additional to what my co pays have been with all these requirements. Does anyone have BC/BS PPO and live in Maryland ? I would love to know if you had to pay anything extra. I'm all types of confused. Please help me understand.

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[The Candidate 3,215]

Some people aren't covered under their particular insurance. Others might do it because they don't want to wait over the long time it can take to fulfill the requirements in order to be approved. And then there are those who are denied after completing the requirements. Getting through the insurance hoops is very much like a shell game. You think you've got it only to discover it's been switched for something else. I had to wait a year to get through mine. I can definitely understand it.

[Tanette 69]

Wow. Yeah I've been reading this. I thank god I switched surgeons because had I went with John Hopkins I would have to to start all over again. It took them forever to return calls with questions I had. I went to see the other surgeon and his assistant informed me that BCBS requires 7 months of diet . Smh

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[Djmohr 6,965]

Many insurance companies DO NOT cover bariatric surgery. Thankfully when I had my surgery I had United Health Care and never even saw the bill.

Now, I moved states and the annual blood work associated with follow up care is not covered under my insurance because it is considered bariatric follow up. I paid the bill because I did not want it to go to collections. The bill was almost 2300.00.

Just beware, insurance really does matter not only for the surgery itself but for follow up care down the road.

[Loudy227 96]

My friend had only one month left of 6 month diet and her UHC insurance said she could not have her surgery with her chosen facility and surgeon because they moved longer had it as a center of excellence.

Now she has been denied for not having high enough bmi over the last five years.

I have bcbsnc and had no issues, but my friend might have to go the self pay route.

[Tanette 69]

Oh my gosh that is terrible . That she went through everything and then got denied.

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[laceyrny 2]

My bcbs insurance does cover some of the cost, but not the 80% I assumed they would. They only cover 50%. Which has left me with over $6000 out of pocket.

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[LisaMergs 2,854]

My BCBS IL covered everything, minus the $30 copays, including follow up with the NUT (RD).

Starting Oct 1, we switch to United Health Care. Horrid policy!! Heck, they don't even Cover speech therapy for kids unless it is part of another issue (autism spectrum, etc). I'm certain they won't cover my follow up with the surgeon, but I'm 6mos so the next one will be at 1 year, provided no issues in between. Thankfully, my 6 mo check is in the morning, so it's still covered.

I definitely need my husband to have a discussion about what is covered and not for this group

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[Marissa.Ann.C 21]

From what I've read and the experience with my insurance (anthem BCBS) BCBS seems to be the most pain in the ass company out there to deal with. Making you jump through all kinds of hoops then using any excuse they can to deny if possible.

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[Tanette 69]

Explain what you mean.

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[Tanette 69]

The lady who commented above you said that she has BCBS too and she didn't have any problems . Explain what hoops? What was your starting weight? What did you do for your requirements? Did you do everything asked? What state are you located in?

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[LisaMergs 2,854]

The lady who commented above you said that she has BCBS too and she didn't have any problems . Explain what hoops? What was your starting weight? What did you do for your requirements? Did you do everything asked? What state are you located in?

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Tanette-

The best thing you can do is call BCBS and speak to someone there. The company you work for determines how much of what they will pay for when they negotiate a contract with an insurance company. What one person with BCBS receives for benefits may not be the same for another who works for a different company. It's comparing apples to oranges.

Asking everyone here the specifics of their experience means nothing to your situation. Only what coverage YOU have matters- and that can be found by contacting your provider and insurance company. If I recall, you have not seen the surgeon yet? ( forgive me if I'm mistaken). You need to call BCBS of they are your insurance carrier and then you will have the answers you are looking for today.

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[Tanette 69]

They cover the surgery full coverage if I meet the requirements. And I do. I was just confused. I honestly thought all BCBS plans were pretty much the same. Thanks anyway guys. She shut the conversation down. Good night

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[tequila 0]

Yeah, I got tired of the BCBS Tennessee hoops and denial for lack of high BMI for past five years...went to Mexico!

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[nurseangel007 7]

That is correct not all BCBS are the same. I had BCBS and all was covered except my portion to the surgeon which was $400 I work for a hosp that covered the surgery and our plan is that if u have it done at our hospital u pay nothing out of pocket for the hospital bill. It is covered. They didn't even require 6 month diet and exercise journal for the approval. But like the other person said not all BCBC is the same. They vary by employer!

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