question!

Hey everyone. I went to see my doctor yesterday and he is sending my insurance (blue cross hmo) paperwork to see if I can get the LAP-BAND® now i am 5'4 and 231 LBS he says i am 109 LBS overweight.BUT he said it is probably goin to be hard to get my insurance to cover it since I dont have any health problems (yet) Isnt being 109 LBS overweight a health problem in itsself?! I guess im tryin to get some opinions & advise as far as should i prepare for a battle with my insurance ? anything I can do if they deny me? how can I persuade them? thanks for your input!

Being overweight, I'm sure you have sleep apnea and that is a legitiment health problem associated with being overweight. I know my BCBS FED/Basic policy states you either have to have a BMI of 40 OR 35-39 BMI with at least 1 comorbidity. Sleep apnea is considered a comorbidity. You have to just see what your specific insurance policy says. If they do deny then you always have the right to appeal.

Good luck to you and keep us posted. :)

__________________

Jennifer in S.A. TX
Banded 3/3/08
Thank you Dr. Cavazos !!

I have been denied twice with my bcbs hmo ins company. I even have been tested for sleep apena found out I have it they tell me to wait another 6 months and see if using a cpap machine helps me lose weight. Isn't that ridiculas.