[Melody Beattie]

My insurance (comprehensive with STate Farm, very similar to BCBS) told me before the surgery that they would pay -- and I had my surgery in Germany. Now we have to see if they actually do. They said all they needed was proof that the surgery was approved in the US, and that it was performed by a legitimate doctor in a legitimate hospital setting. I had two levels, but in preparation for a fight re that, I have read that the FDA in the U.S. occasionally approves a two-level surgery here under their "compassionate use" clause, so I'm tucking that in my back pocket for ammo. I've submitted my claim and will post when I get a response. Good luck.