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BCBS Nevada offers a range of insurance plans to fit different needs and budgets. BCBS Nevada's insurance plans include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Choice, and Blue Advantage, among others.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield plan provides comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, hospital stays, and surgical procedures. It also covers preventive care services such as vaccinations, screenings, and check-ups.
BCBS Nevada's insurance plans often have copays, deductibles, and coinsurance, which are costs you pay out-of-pocket for medical services. The Blue Choice plan, for example, has a lower deductible and copay compared to the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan.
Preventive care services are covered by BCBS Nevada's insurance plans, which can help prevent illnesses and detect health problems early on. These services include vaccinations, screenings, and check-ups.
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BCBS Nevada Coverage
If you're considering weight-loss surgery, the first thing to do is check your Anthem BCBS Nevada policy to see if it covers bariatric surgery. You can find the coverages and exclusions section in your insurance documents, which will give you a detailed understanding of what's covered and what's not.
Major bariatric surgical procedures like the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are typically covered if your policy covers bariatric surgery in general. The duodenal switch may also be covered, but the Lap-Band is not recommended due to a high long-term complication rate.
You can get any type of Anthem BCBS covered breast pump, including basic manual pumps, standard electric pumps, double electric pumps, wearable pumps, wireless pumps, and hospital-grade pumps.
Anthem approved breast pumps come in a variety of styles to suit any mom's needs. You can get a covered breast pump by checking with your insurance company.
If you already have a bariatric procedure and need a revision, it may be covered on a case-by-case basis. The most common revision is removing a Lap-Band and switching to a gastric sleeve.
For your interest: Anthem Bcbs Lawsuit
Out-of-Pocket Expenses and Pre-Authorization
Your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on your benefits, which can be found in the coverages and exclusions section of your insurance documents.
You'll also need to speak directly to your insurance company to understand what charges you may be responsible for. Typically, Anthem BCBS customers will be subject to a co-pay, deductible, and maximum out-of-pocket expense.
These costs reset on January 1, so if you've utilized your insurance benefits significantly by the end of the year, you may want to start the process now to avoid starting over in the new year.
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Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Understanding your out-of-pocket expenses is crucial before undergoing surgery. You can find this information in the coverages and exclusions section of your insurance documents.
Typically, Anthem BCBS customers will be subject to a co-pay, deductible, and maximum out-of-pocket expense.
It's essential to speak directly to your insurance company to understand what charges you may be responsible for.
These costs reset on January 1, so if you're approaching the end of the year and have utilized your insurance benefits significantly, it may be better to start the process now.
Quitting smoking at least two months before surgery is a must, as it can impact your out-of-pocket expenses and overall health.
A different take: Nevada Benefits Group & Individual Health Insurance Las Vegas
What If Pre-Authorization Is Denied?
If pre-authorization is denied, you may be left wondering what to do next.
Not all policies cover bariatric surgery, so it's essential to explore alternative options. VIPSurg offers a cash pay rate starting at $9,750 for the gastric sleeve.
A clerical error in the application is a common reason for pre-approval denial. This can be frustrating, but getting a reason for the denial in writing can help you understand the issue.
Once you have the reason for the denial, you can discuss corrections to your application with VIPSurg. This may involve completing any missed prerequisites or stipulations.
Getting a cash pay rate can be a viable option if your policy doesn't cover bariatric surgery.
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Breast Pumps Covered
If you have BCBS Nevada through Anthem, you qualify for a breast pump and supplies for every baby you have. All you need to do is fill out our Qualify Through Insurance Form and we can handle the rest.
Anthem Nevada insurance coverage requires a prescription from an Anthem authorized provider, such as an MD, nurse practitioner, nurse, or midwife.
You can get any type of Anthem BCBS covered breast pump, including Basic Manual Breast Pumps, Standard Electric Breast Pumps, Double Electric Breast Pumps, Wearable Breast Pumps, Wireless Breast Pumps, and Hospital-Grade Breast Pumps.
We can help get your prescription faxed to us, you just need to fill out our Anthem breast pump prescription form.
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Insurance and Pre-Requisites
To get approved for bariatric surgery with BCBS Nevada, you'll need to meet certain pre-requisites. Your BMI must be 35 or over with comorbidities or 40 or over regardless of comorbidity, as per the FDA guidelines.
You'll also need to have a diagnosis of morbid obesity established for a certain amount of time prior to surgery, which can be up to three years. Your primary care physician will have to submit documentation to that effect.
BCBS Nevada requires participation in a medical weight loss program, which may be required in the three or six months leading up to surgery. You'll need to prove your participation and have your treating physician submit periodic evaluations to the insurance company.
Breast Pump Coverage Requirements
If you have Nevada BCBS Anthem insurance, you qualify for a breast pump and supplies for every baby you have.
To receive coverage, you'll need a prescription from an Anthem authorized provider, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse, or midwife.
You can get your prescription faxed to us, and we'll handle the rest, including coverage confirmation.
There are no specific pre-requisites for breast pump coverage beyond having Anthem Nevada insurance and obtaining a prescription from an authorized provider.
For your interest: Bcbs Medicaid Provider Finder
Pre-requisites for Coverage?
BCBS Nevada requires documentation to approve coverage for surgery, including a diagnosis of morbid obesity established for a certain amount of time prior to surgery, which can be up to three years.
To qualify for bariatric surgery, you must have a BMI of 35 or over with one or more comorbidities or a BMI of 40 or over regardless of comorbidity.
A diagnosis of morbid obesity must have been established for a certain amount of time prior to surgery, which can be up to three years, and your primary care physician will have to submit documentation to that effect.
BCBS Nevada requires a medical weight loss program, also known as physician-supervised weight loss, for a certain period of time before surgery, which can be three or even six months leading up to surgery.
Patients may have to submit documentation of failed nonsurgical diet and exercise programs in the period before surgery, including commercial diets such as Jennie Craig and Weight Watchers.
If you're considering surgery, it's essential to review your insurance documents, specifically the coverages and exclusions section, to understand what is and isn't covered.
BCBS Nevada typically covers major, proven bariatric surgical procedures, such as the gastric sleeve and the gastric bypass, if the policy covers bariatric surgery in general.
However, the Lap-Band, or adjustable gastric band, may also be covered, but it's not typically recommended due to an unacceptably high long-term complication rate.
Revisions to a previous bariatric procedure may be covered on a case-by-case basis, such as the removal of a Lap-Band and revision to a gastric sleeve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a BCBS plan in every state?
Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has a presence in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, providing nationwide health care coverage. With a network of over 1.7 million doctors and hospitals, you can find quality care no matter where you live.
What is the best medical insurance in Nevada?
The best medical insurance in Nevada is Health Plan of Nevada, offering the best overall coverage at $380/month. Alternatively, Renown Health Plan provides high-quality coverage at $514/month, while Ambetter is best for rural Nevadans at $406/month.
Sources
- https://www.vipsurg.com/bariatric-surgery/paying/insurance/anthem-blue-cross-blue-shield-bcbs-nevada-bariatric-surgery-insurance-coverage/
- https://thebreastfeedingshop.com/anthem-bcbs-of-nevada-breast-pump-through-insurance/
- https://zencare.co/us/nevada/therapists/insurance/blue-cross-blue-shield
- https://www.nevadainsuranceenrollment.com/health-insurance/anthem-blue-cross-blue-shield/
- https://beaminghealth.com/speech-therapy/las-vegas-89115/blue-cross-blue-shield-bcbs
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