Guest guest Posted July 30, 2004 Report Share Posted July 30, 2004 Tonya: Best of luck on your situation. You know, obesityhelp.com may be a good resource for this question. That's where I found out that Kaiser covered the surgery. Also, perhaps you could ask the employer specific details about which plan they offer and then call the insurer directly. Those are just a couple of ideas that come to mind. Wow, what a choice to make. What's more important to you? A great new job opportunity or a great new life opportunity. Yikes. This is like Sophie's Choice. Being post-op, I know what I'd do. But this is a very personal decision. Let us know how it goes. Gemello -138 lbs > Hey everyone! > > I haven't even begun to catch up on the posts yet, but decided to > say hi to everyone beforehand. > > I just got back from a trip to Bakersfield. I was there interviewing > for new job. Unfortunately, now I'm in a bit of a pickle. I won't > know whether I got the job until mid-August, but I requested > information on their benefits package, and they don't offer coverage > through Kaiser. > > It's funny that my WLS approval went so smoothly with Kaiser, and > now I'm faced with a great career opportunity that could very well > derail my WLS plans. I wasn't searching for a new job. This company > actually sought me out, so I think my chances of being hired are > pretty good. But I'm concerned about what will happen under the new > carrier. They offer Blue Cross HMO and PPO plans, but I haven't > figured out yet how to find out if either of the plans provide > bariatric surgery without directly asking my prospective employers. > And I really don't think it's their business -- not to mention > opening myself up to giving them a reason not to hire me. > > I did mention to the woman who would be my direct supervisor that I > had a health issue that I was working to resolve, and that it would > most likely keep me out of work for about six weeks next year. She > said that wouldn't be a problem. But I just don't feel comfortable > sharing more information than that with an employer. > > Does anyone here have any ideas on how I could find out if their > Blue Cross plan covers WLS discreetly? I know I'm rambling. I just > have a very heavy heart about this. > > Thanks, > Tonya (in ) > BMI 57 > Approved through SSF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 30, 2004 Report Share Posted July 30, 2004 Tonya: Best of luck on your situation. You know, obesityhelp.com may be a good resource for this question. That's where I found out that Kaiser covered the surgery. Also, perhaps you could ask the employer specific details about which plan they offer and then call the insurer directly. Those are just a couple of ideas that come to mind. Wow, what a choice to make. What's more important to you? A great new job opportunity or a great new life opportunity. Yikes. This is like Sophie's Choice. Being post-op, I know what I'd do. But this is a very personal decision. Let us know how it goes. Gemello -138 lbs > Hey everyone! > > I haven't even begun to catch up on the posts yet, but decided to > say hi to everyone beforehand. > > I just got back from a trip to Bakersfield. I was there interviewing > for new job. Unfortunately, now I'm in a bit of a pickle. I won't > know whether I got the job until mid-August, but I requested > information on their benefits package, and they don't offer coverage > through Kaiser. > > It's funny that my WLS approval went so smoothly with Kaiser, and > now I'm faced with a great career opportunity that could very well > derail my WLS plans. I wasn't searching for a new job. This company > actually sought me out, so I think my chances of being hired are > pretty good. But I'm concerned about what will happen under the new > carrier. They offer Blue Cross HMO and PPO plans, but I haven't > figured out yet how to find out if either of the plans provide > bariatric surgery without directly asking my prospective employers. > And I really don't think it's their business -- not to mention > opening myself up to giving them a reason not to hire me. > > I did mention to the woman who would be my direct supervisor that I > had a health issue that I was working to resolve, and that it would > most likely keep me out of work for about six weeks next year. She > said that wouldn't be a problem. But I just don't feel comfortable > sharing more information than that with an employer. > > Does anyone here have any ideas on how I could find out if their > Blue Cross plan covers WLS discreetly? I know I'm rambling. I just > have a very heavy heart about this. > > Thanks, > Tonya (in ) > BMI 57 > Approved through SSF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2004 Report Share Posted July 31, 2004 Tonya, I would call Blue Cross’ customer service and talk to them about your situation. Tell them you’re considering enrolling but want to know if bariatric surgery is something they cover and what the protocols are. - Lesa - Tough decision Hey everyone! I haven't even begun to catch up on the posts yet, but decided to say hi to everyone beforehand. I just got back from a trip to Bakersfield. I was there interviewing for new job. Unfortunately, now I'm in a bit of a pickle. I won't know whether I got the job until mid-August, but I requested information on their benefits package, and they don't offer coverage through Kaiser. It's funny that my WLS approval went so smoothly with Kaiser, and now I'm faced with a great career opportunity that could very well derail my WLS plans. I wasn't searching for a new job. This company actually sought me out, so I think my chances of being hired are pretty good. But I'm concerned about what will happen under the new carrier. They offer Blue Cross HMO and PPO plans, but I haven't figured out yet how to find out if either of the plans provide bariatric surgery without directly asking my prospective employers. And I really don't think it's their business -- not to mention opening myself up to giving them a reason not to hire me. I did mention to the woman who would be my direct supervisor that I had a health issue that I was working to resolve, and that it would most likely keep me out of work for about six weeks next year. She said that wouldn't be a problem. But I just don't feel comfortable sharing more information than that with an employer. Does anyone here have any ideas on how I could find out if their Blue Cross plan covers WLS discreetly? I know I'm rambling. I just have a very heavy heart about this. Thanks, Tonya (in ) BMI 57 Approved through SSF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2004 Report Share Posted August 1, 2004 Tonya, Congratulations on your possible new career and I can understand your concerns regarding the health insurance issues. And its great that your company is supportive of your decision. I told everyone at my company about my pending WLS surgery and they are both curious and supportive. One thing you should know, it that both BC and BS require a minium $5- 7,000 deposit prior to surgery, that is partially refundable. They dont put you through the rigors that Kaiser does, I mean you could have the surgery as soon as three weeks after signing on with BS or BC because they dont have the long waiting list that Kaiser has because of the down payment. Now if you dont have that sort of money to pay up front: Another thing you can do is speak to you HR Representative at your new company. Even the smallest corporations, and I happen to work for one, offer and option plan to allow you use another carrier. They basically give you the money every month to pay the other carrier. If by chance they dont, then opt OUT of their health plan, and continue with Kaiser on with either the cobra plan (18 month coverage) or sign up for a new individual plan. By opting out, you dont have to pay any partial premiums and can apply what you save to your Kaiser payments. Not all is lost, Approved on 5-26-04 Still waiting for Orientation On a diet and lost 10lbs > Hey everyone! > > I haven't even begun to catch up on the posts yet, but decided to > say hi to everyone beforehand. > > I just got back from a trip to Bakersfield. I was there interviewing > for new job. Unfortunately, now I'm in a bit of a pickle. I won't > know whether I got the job until mid-August, but I requested > information on their benefits package, and they don't offer coverage > through Kaiser. > > It's funny that my WLS approval went so smoothly with Kaiser, and > now I'm faced with a great career opportunity that could very well > derail my WLS plans. I wasn't searching for a new job. This company > actually sought me out, so I think my chances of being hired are > pretty good. But I'm concerned about what will happen under the new > carrier. They offer Blue Cross HMO and PPO plans, but I haven't > figured out yet how to find out if either of the plans provide > bariatric surgery without directly asking my prospective employers. > And I really don't think it's their business -- not to mention > opening myself up to giving them a reason not to hire me. > > I did mention to the woman who would be my direct supervisor that I > had a health issue that I was working to resolve, and that it would > most likely keep me out of work for about six weeks next year. She > said that wouldn't be a problem. But I just don't feel comfortable > sharing more information than that with an employer. > > Does anyone here have any ideas on how I could find out if their > Blue Cross plan covers WLS discreetly? I know I'm rambling. I just > have a very heavy heart about this. > > Thanks, > Tonya (in ) > BMI 57 > Approved through SSF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2004 Report Share Posted August 1, 2004 Tonya, Congratulations on your possible new career and I can understand your concerns regarding the health insurance issues. And its great that your company is supportive of your decision. I told everyone at my company about my pending WLS surgery and they are both curious and supportive. One thing you should know, it that both BC and BS require a minium $5- 7,000 deposit prior to surgery, that is partially refundable. They dont put you through the rigors that Kaiser does, I mean you could have the surgery as soon as three weeks after signing on with BS or BC because they dont have the long waiting list that Kaiser has because of the down payment. Now if you dont have that sort of money to pay up front: Another thing you can do is speak to you HR Representative at your new company. Even the smallest corporations, and I happen to work for one, offer and option plan to allow you use another carrier. They basically give you the money every month to pay the other carrier. If by chance they dont, then opt OUT of their health plan, and continue with Kaiser on with either the cobra plan (18 month coverage) or sign up for a new individual plan. By opting out, you dont have to pay any partial premiums and can apply what you save to your Kaiser payments. Not all is lost, Approved on 5-26-04 Still waiting for Orientation On a diet and lost 10lbs > Hey everyone! > > I haven't even begun to catch up on the posts yet, but decided to > say hi to everyone beforehand. > > I just got back from a trip to Bakersfield. I was there interviewing > for new job. Unfortunately, now I'm in a bit of a pickle. I won't > know whether I got the job until mid-August, but I requested > information on their benefits package, and they don't offer coverage > through Kaiser. > > It's funny that my WLS approval went so smoothly with Kaiser, and > now I'm faced with a great career opportunity that could very well > derail my WLS plans. I wasn't searching for a new job. This company > actually sought me out, so I think my chances of being hired are > pretty good. But I'm concerned about what will happen under the new > carrier. They offer Blue Cross HMO and PPO plans, but I haven't > figured out yet how to find out if either of the plans provide > bariatric surgery without directly asking my prospective employers. > And I really don't think it's their business -- not to mention > opening myself up to giving them a reason not to hire me. > > I did mention to the woman who would be my direct supervisor that I > had a health issue that I was working to resolve, and that it would > most likely keep me out of work for about six weeks next year. She > said that wouldn't be a problem. But I just don't feel comfortable > sharing more information than that with an employer. > > Does anyone here have any ideas on how I could find out if their > Blue Cross plan covers WLS discreetly? I know I'm rambling. I just > have a very heavy heart about this. > > Thanks, > Tonya (in ) > BMI 57 > Approved through SSF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2004 Report Share Posted August 1, 2004 Tonya, Congratulations on your possible new career and I can understand your concerns regarding the health insurance issues. And its great that your company is supportive of your decision. I told everyone at my company about my pending WLS surgery and they are both curious and supportive. One thing you should know, it that both BC and BS require a minium $5- 7,000 deposit prior to surgery, that is partially refundable. They dont put you through the rigors that Kaiser does, I mean you could have the surgery as soon as three weeks after signing on with BS or BC because they dont have the long waiting list that Kaiser has because of the down payment. Now if you dont have that sort of money to pay up front: Another thing you can do is speak to you HR Representative at your new company. Even the smallest corporations, and I happen to work for one, offer and option plan to allow you use another carrier. They basically give you the money every month to pay the other carrier. If by chance they dont, then opt OUT of their health plan, and continue with Kaiser on with either the cobra plan (18 month coverage) or sign up for a new individual plan. By opting out, you dont have to pay any partial premiums and can apply what you save to your Kaiser payments. Not all is lost, Approved on 5-26-04 Still waiting for Orientation On a diet and lost 10lbs > Hey everyone! > > I haven't even begun to catch up on the posts yet, but decided to > say hi to everyone beforehand. > > I just got back from a trip to Bakersfield. I was there interviewing > for new job. Unfortunately, now I'm in a bit of a pickle. I won't > know whether I got the job until mid-August, but I requested > information on their benefits package, and they don't offer coverage > through Kaiser. > > It's funny that my WLS approval went so smoothly with Kaiser, and > now I'm faced with a great career opportunity that could very well > derail my WLS plans. I wasn't searching for a new job. This company > actually sought me out, so I think my chances of being hired are > pretty good. But I'm concerned about what will happen under the new > carrier. They offer Blue Cross HMO and PPO plans, but I haven't > figured out yet how to find out if either of the plans provide > bariatric surgery without directly asking my prospective employers. > And I really don't think it's their business -- not to mention > opening myself up to giving them a reason not to hire me. > > I did mention to the woman who would be my direct supervisor that I > had a health issue that I was working to resolve, and that it would > most likely keep me out of work for about six weeks next year. She > said that wouldn't be a problem. But I just don't feel comfortable > sharing more information than that with an employer. > > Does anyone here have any ideas on how I could find out if their > Blue Cross plan covers WLS discreetly? I know I'm rambling. I just > have a very heavy heart about this. > > Thanks, > Tonya (in ) > BMI 57 > Approved through SSF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2004 Report Share Posted August 1, 2004 Tonya, You can ask your prospective employer for the plan benefit book to read while you are making your decision. Every personnel department has such a booklet they give to people for open enrollment. You *could* call Blue Cross, but every plan is different with every employer. The benefit book should spell out specific exclusions, and if WLS isn't there then they will likely cover it. Your prospective employer may also have a benefits comparison chart to help employees decide whether to sign up for the HMO or the PPO. It's not unusual to request such information from employers, as their benefits package is one of their recruitment tools. And it sounds like a great company (a la the "no problem with six weeks off") with understanding people. In addition to checking exclusions, check to see if they cover or exclude "pre-existing conditions." Some plans make you wait a year for anything pre-existing to be covered. Their benefits booklet should also give you contact information, and you can call Blue Cross at their specific number for that company. I know for a fact that some (in fact, most) Blue Cross plans do cover WLS. Dr. Waldrep's office in Roseville, for example, contracts (or used to) with BC. But as to the co-pays, up front deposit, etc., I really don't know. This is a small hurdle. Don't let it discourage you! And the job sounds like a great opportunity! Laurie W. Tough decision Hey everyone!I haven't even begun to catch up on the posts yet, but decided to say hi to everyone beforehand.I just got back from a trip to Bakersfield. I was there interviewing for new job. Unfortunately, now I'm in a bit of a pickle. I won't know whether I got the job until mid-August, but I requested information on their benefits package, and they don't offer coverage through Kaiser. <SNIP> Does anyone here have any ideas on how I could find out if their Blue Cross plan covers WLS discreetly? I know I'm rambling. I just have a very heavy heart about this.Thanks,Tonya (in )BMI 57Approved through SSF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2004 Report Share Posted August 3, 2004 Good Luck in making your decision. I know its a very tough one !! Follow your instincts and Im sure you will make the one that is the best for you. I wish you the best in whichever direction you choose to follow. Huggles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.