Horizon BCBS of New Jersey Changes Weight Loss Surgery Policy

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey has recently changed it's position on mandatory participation in a medically supervised weight loss program for six consecutive months prior to Bariatric Surgery.

The revised policy, which becomes effective on June 19, 2010, states the following:
Within the 12 months prior to the time of surgery, the member must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Documentation of previous participation in conservative (non-surgical) weight loss program or diet program/plan (e.g., Weight Watcher, Jenny Craig). [INFORMATIONAL NOTE: Programs supervised by a registered dietitian may not be a covered service under a member's contract.

Previously, the policy indicated that patients must be enrolled in a medically supervised weight loss program for 6 consecutive months, within the previous 12 months.

* To DOWNLOAD the revised policy Click on the link below