Bariatric surgery benefit will combat obesity and help maintain weight loss

At TeamCare, we want you to know you are not alone in your struggle to lose weight. Bariatric surgery has been shown to help improve many obesity-related conditions, and effective Jan. 1, 2016, we cover this procedure under all active and retiree TeamCare plans.

Members seeking bariatric surgery must get prior authorization and meet specific medical criteria established by your PPO network to ensure weight-loss surgery is the best option for you.

Those who are eligible will also be required to use a Blue Distinction Center (BDC), a Center of Excellence (COE) hospital, or Mayo Clinic. A BDC/COE is a facility that meets nationally established quality measures and has a proven track record for delivering better results, which means fewer complications and readmissions than facilities without these designations.

Approved BDC/COE facilities include:

BlueCross BlueShield: Blue Distinction Centers 

Members can also use Mayo Clinic locations in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota.

The BDC/COE list is subject to change. Please verify that your procedure is scheduled at an approved BDC/COE prior to your surgery date.