Hi Virginia,

Each state has an insurance regulatory board, you may want to try that route. I don't know how heavily influenced they are by lobbyists, but it's worth a shot. I'd also ask the hospital social worker if they have any ideas about how to approach this issue with BCBS. I wouldn't stop there either. I'd also consider getting help from the local press. I've read and heard of stories where people have gotten help from their local television news or local newspaper. Sometimes this catches the interest of a reporter or consumer activist and they report on it or will call the insurance company and inquire as to why a particular procedure or prosthetic isn't covered. To save face, and eliminate the potential of getting bad press, some companies end up paying the claim. Best of luck.
Dave


Mom's caregvr. DDS failed to dx 01/03. Dx Stg IV SCC 05/03. Induct. chemo, IMRT, 5FU, H, Iressa, Neck disect, radiation. Dad's caregvr. Dx 01/04 Ext. Stg SCLC. Mets to liver/bone 08/04. Died 11/12/04. Mom tongue CA dx 06/13, hemiglossectomy (80% removed) 08/13. Clean margins and nodes, but PNI. 6/15/15: Tongue CA at base of remnant tongue. Declined further tx; hospice.
Died 10/13/15. What a long and difficult journey.