Medicare/Medicaid

I found out from my insurance that they definately do not pay for WLS. Has anyone gone the route of medicare or medicaid. If so how is that done.  I am scheduled to be at Dr. Gibb's seminar on 8-16. Thanks for any and all ideas. Tina

I used medicare for my WLS! check with the doctor to see if they take this. I know Doctor Baker does. good luck on your journey! nutti

How do you go about getting medicare if you are no 65 or older.  Tell me what to do- I am all ears. Thanks- Tina

I applied for and recieve disability due to my weight 3 yrs ago at that time I weighed over 500lbs.   I hope to say bye bye to asap.  other than that I have no ideas for you. nutti

Tina, I had mine paid for by medicare as well, but like Nutti says, gotta be disabled to get on medicare.  I too hope to be able to tell Disability, thanks for all you've done, but good bye!!   I have been on disability since Dec 2004, and so I had to wait to get medicare to cover so I could have the surgery.  Good luck on your quest.  Its not an easy road getting there, but once you do, you'll be so glad you did. Come back often and see us, we are a bit crazy at times, but here for each other. Rhonda

 

87 POUNDS GONE FOREVER!!!!

Tina, medicare is paying for my surgery, but it is not some quick way to get a surgery paid for that is for sure.  I was disabled in 2002 with lung disease and I was not elgible for medicare until 2 years to the date of when I became elgible for disability (it is my understanding that it is like this for everyone that gets disability, that they must wait 2 years for medicare).  I got my medicare in 2004 and applied for surgery the beginning of 2005, and I am just now having surgery. Medicare and medicaid require that you be on supervised diets and fail at them for a pre-determined amount of time, I believe for medicare it is 12 out of the last 18 months and medicaid requires 18 months out of the last 24 months of failed diets with your dr.  You must also meet certain criterias, such as a certain weight, bmi, and other ailments that could be better with weightloss.  Dr Baker and Dr Gibbs are the only 2 dr's in the state of arkansas who will take medicare or medicaid.  Don't get to upset by this though, because there are other ways to go about getting surgery paid for, there are medical loans you can apply for, or even loans with your bank.  I met one lady who sold her house to meet the payment of surgery.  So keep checking and see what else there is if you can't get medicare/ medicaid.

I am really confused on the Medicare issue.  I called Medicare before I began the process and was told if you have several issues related to being morbidly obese the surgery is approved by Medicare.  They did not even mention the issue of "supervised" weight loss for 1 year which really is of concern to me.  I have had issues my whole life and have done many programs and failed at them for over 15 years!  These were not closely monitored by my doctor but were recorded at my doctor visits which are every 3 months due to major back, arthritis, BP, sleep apnea and joint issues all due to weight.  It is really the last option for me and really needs done quickly or I face major joint replacement surgeries and long recoveries in rehab facilities because of slow recovery due to weight!  These might all be prevented or prolonged until I am at least 10 or more years if I have the surgery!  I guess they may consider this when they do their approval but with your dilemma I am really fretting! Carol