Dr Cox: No Medicaid WLS in FL

Recently, the only thing that has kept me going was that Dr Cox's office had told me their lawsuit(s) would be settled by Feb 1st, and that I would be the first to be re-scheduled, as I was the first surgery cancelled back in late Oct. Today was supposed to be THE day, Feb 1st. Dr Samuel Cox's office was supposed to be re-scheduling appointments. I called them a few minutes ago... no, they are NOT re-scheduling me.... I spoke to Pandora... I was in tears, but I asked her some pointed questions about what is happening, what isn't, and why not? She was really nice to me, and answered my questions, finally! She told me the lawsuit hadn't been settled, as they had expected it to be. I ask her if she had any idea when it would be settled, and she said, "No, we really don't. We have no idea." I asked specifically, "What is the problem?" She straight out told me that both hospitals Dr Cox has privileges at (Holy Cross AND North Ridge - Ft Lauderdale) are refusing to accept Medicaid, hence the lawsuits. I asked her if there were any other arrangements I could make at this point, and she reminded me that Dr Cox is THE ONLY weight loss surgeon accepting Medicaid in the ENTIRE STAE of FLORIDA. It could go on forever. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news to others may be relying on Medicaid/Dr Cox for their WLS. I'm going to post this information on the Florida message board and the General board. I think everyone needs to know, so that we Floridians with Medicaid can all try to make other plans, if possible. I'm thinking of trying to move to another state. PS: I have searched Broward County Public Records online, and have not found any court filings regarding Samuel Cox, and/or North Ridge Hospital, and/or Holy Cross Hospital. Food for thought?!

I can't believe all you have been through!! It is simply unbelievable. Do you have any family in other states where it is easier to find a Medicaid provider? I just saw on the boards in the last couple of days where Kentucky is a state that approves WLS within days. It basically only requires a call from the surgeons office requesting approval, and it done in days. (Dr. Curry's office in Cincinnati accepts KY medicaid.) You'll be in my prayers tonight. Theresa R--Van Wert Ohio

Thank you, Theresa! I lived in Kentucky briefly many years ago and remember it fondly. I will check with Dr Curry as well. Thanks, too, for your prayers Take care, Trish

Hi there! Well, I'm not sure if Medicaid and Medicare is the same thing - but Dr. Overcash in Ocala is now accepting Medicare. Call Patrice (352) 368-2828 to double check. He's only 1 hr away from you. Good luck!!! And then spread the good news!

Hi Ruth! I am always checking with local (Ocala is a lot more local than many places in FL). Dr Overcash is one I have checked with. He does take Medicare but not Medicaid, which could not be more different from each other. Thanks for thinking of me, though Trish

I thought there were a couple of people on this site who has surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, near Ft. Lauderdale who were on Medicaid. I also know that in Miami surgeons at Jackson Memorial have to accept Medicaid becuase it's a public trust hospital. Now, I will warn you there are 2 surgeons, both very good...through the University of Miami...but one of them is like super throrough and very rigid with her protocol...in simple terms she's a bleep. But hey if you want it, you'll deal with it. I already had surgery, just needed hernia repair and did not need her treating me like total crap and bereating me for gaining weight that I had not gained. 10 lbs is not most of 200lbs. Florida is a huge state and I can't imagine there is only 1 surgeon accepting Medicaid for WLS. Have you clicked the insurers link on this site and looked at the surgeons names listed by the people using Medicaid? Any public hospital has to accept Medicaid, call around and find out which have bariactric programs. Best wishes, Sarah

Hi, Sarah! The first place I applied to was The Cleveland Clinic, but I was a day late and a dollar short. They quit taking Medicad Patients right before I called them - I think it was in 2003 (???)... so much has happened, it's hard to keep the dates and players straight without a scorecard. But I do know for a fact that they don't take Medicaid anymore. Nevertheless, thanks so much for caring enough to write... Take care, Trish

Right noe I have Amerigroup which basically is Medicaid and I know that the surgeons and the hospital accept it. Tampa General Hospital, maybe you should look into it. Or maybe instead of havinf stright medicaid you get get like staywell, or Amerigroup. Its all medicaid, just branches off of it. Give it some more thought before you pack up and move.

Hi Jennifer, Is it true that you can only change the Medicaid HMOs in November of each year? I am so confused! What if I change to Amerigroup, for instance, next November, only to find Amerigroup has decided they can't cover the cost that year? I know I don't have too many years left to me in my current condition. Thanks so much for the info, but my brain is on overload right now. Do you know of a State of FL agency that might be helpful in sorting everything out? Medicaid has not been helpful so far. Thanks so much for writing to me. Trish

Hi Trish, I had my surgery back in Oct I have staywell which is a medicaid HMO...I went through Dr Haickens office which is in largo...he is no longer doing surgery but There is Dr Gordon and Dr Gozolvo (spelling is wrong I am sure)...you should give them a call and see if they are still accepting it...if you look at the banner on top of the florida board Dr Haickens ad is usually there...but you may have to switch to the HMO Medicaid...hope this helps you out..take care and good luck APril