Question:
BCBS DOES NOT PAY

I have BCBS of Mississippi as well and no they do not cover this surgery. I just found this out. You can be dying and still they will not pay for the surgery. Then they don't want to pay for any health related problems due to being overweight. Am I the only one here feeling discriminated against? Why do overweight people get the short end of the stick? Does anyone here know of a surgeon in Alabama that will work payments or having any pay options for the surgery>    — Stephania H. (posted on August 13, 2002)

August 13, 2002
I would take your policy to a lawyer. They can see things we often can't.
   — Danmark

August 13, 2002
I wish I had some answers for you, because I know how you feel. I have BCBS of Tennessee, and although it pays for the surgery, my employer has an exclusion in the policy. They were willing to change the policy for me, but BCBS said no way, no how. They also said they are putting the exclusion in all new policies this year. On a more positive note, several states have adopted a new law that forces insurance companies to pay for this surgery if it is medically necessary. Last night at my local support group, we began talking about everyone writing and calling our state legislators. They are the ones who control the old codgers who sit on the medical review boards, and they will listen if enough of us talk. I would encourage everyone you know who is morbidly obese, or loves someone who is morbidly obese, to start writing letters. The discrimination has to end. I wish you the best of luck. God bless.
   — Ginger N.