piercedqt78 658 Posted June 30, 2005 Highmark BCBS just called and I have been approved!!!!!:banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana I called the doc's office and my date is July 28th!!!! I am so glad that I didn't give up and just pay, it is going to be covered 100%. ~Mandy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Iluvharleys 15 Posted June 30, 2005 Whooo Hooo! Congrats to you! I't will be here before you know it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
knelson1961 0 Posted June 30, 2005 Way to keep fighting. I wish you the best of luck. Happy losing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dragonwillow 0 Posted June 30, 2005 Congrats! You will soon be on the losing side! Melissa Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mariposa Bella 3 Posted June 30, 2005 :Bunny That is wonderful, I'm so happy for you. Start the countdown now to a better, improved you. Congrats............ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the best me 6 Posted June 30, 2005 You did it!!!! Way to wait it out, girl, I'm so proud of you! happy day, happy day!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alexandra 55 Posted June 30, 2005 Congratulations!! :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :banana :banana :banana :banana Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sassaay 1 Posted June 30, 2005 Hi Mandy, First congratulations!!! I am curious to know what state you are in and also if you have Highmark BCBS PPO or HMO? I had to change from Cigna HMO to Highmark BCBS PPO in January. Cigna paid for my band and re-band due to leak... but I have been weary to call Highmark BCBS about my aftercare. The doctor has been submitting bills and so far I haven't had to pay anything... but I think the doctor may be discounting me the difference between what the insurance pays for office visits and fills, etc. I did have an upper GI at the hospital and they paid that 100%. Thanks and good luck with your band journey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hopefull 0 Posted June 30, 2005 Way to go Mandy!!! We by July band buddies...I am approved for the 22nd! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piercedqt78 658 Posted June 30, 2005 I have Highmark BCBS PPO I am in Illinois, but they are PA. My husband works for the railroad and our insurance is through the Union. Until now it was not covered, I am the very first person to be covered by Highmark, at least that is what they told me today. They are rewriting the company policy in the next 2 weeks to at least review the band proceedure as opposed to just listing it as experimental. I really had to fight to get this covered, I was denied 3 times and we were preparing for an independant review when they called to say I had been approved. I hope that this makes it easier for the next person. ~Mandy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MMDLynn 0 Posted June 30, 2005 Congratulations Mandy - how long did it take you to finally get approved? The reason I'm asking is that I'm in Illinois too with BCBS PPO - but my card doesn't reflect Highmark. Just BCBS PPO Of IL. My paperwork was just sent off on Monday this week and I was hoping for a July 27th surgery date, but I'm afraid it won't be processed in time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piercedqt78 658 Posted June 30, 2005 I live in Illinois, but don't have BCBS of Illinois. They do cover it though, I am told that they are pretty good about covering weight loss surgery overall, including the band. That is what Inamed told me. I have Highmark of PA and they are real stinkers about the band, it took 3 months to get it covered, and that was calling everyday and getting my husbands union involved. ~Mandy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sassaay 1 Posted July 1, 2005 Thanks for the info Mandy. I am in CA, but have Highmark in PA due to my employer's corporate offices being in that state. I am glad that you were able to turn them around. I believe it will give others amunition and perhaps help me with some continued funding of my aftercare. Good going!!! I am happy for you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites