If you are a COVA Care or COVA Connect plan member thinking about bariatric surgery, the state health benefits program wants to help you select the best options to deal with obesity issues before you make a final decision to have surgery. An education program is now required for members contemplating this surgery. It was developed in response to a 2009 General Assembly request for an obesity education program as an alternative to proposed elimination of coverage for bariatric surgery.
The program’s goal is to improve your chance for successful surgery and to prepare you for the lifestyle changes that come with it. It has several components, including prior authorization for bariatric surgery, weight management, nutrition counseling, disease management and personalized coaching and support services. If the surgery is approved, the program offers continued support after your surgery to ensure that you have the best possible health outcomes. As an added bonus, you’ll receive a refund on your inpatient hospital copayment if you participate in after care! You’ll get back half of your copayment for 12 months of participation and the full copayment if you continue for a second 12 months.
For more details, click on the links below. Changes will be made soon to your member handbook posted online under Health Benefits on this site.