How long does Medicaid take to approve surgery?

Hi All - Carol again with questions...lol I'm two weeks away from seeing if I am eligible for disability. I have been told that once I do get on disability I will only be available for a Government Health Program called Medically Needy Health Program. It is the same as Medicaid, but I will have to pay a little more. That's fine with me. I have been told by some government workers in Des Moines that Gastric bypass is covered under this program as long as I meet guidlines. I'm 380 lbs and suffer hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma and depression/anxiety. I would think the accumulative of all these complications would diffentately ok me for the surgery with a letter from Dr. what do you all think? Thanks for the support! - Carol

Hi Carol! I had Medicaid and I had all the required testing done before the insurance submission. They are as follows: Sleep study (but you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea; do you have a CPAP?), psych. evaluation, nutrition evaluation, two recent consecutive years of physician supervised weight loss attempts, referral from your PCP, and Letter of Medical Necessity. Once I had this completed, I saw the surgeon. After insurance submission, I was approved with 12 days. Good luck, Sweetie! & Sherry Open RNY 02/04/04 294.5/275.5/150? -19 pounds

Thanks Sherry for the replay and informatin - it was greatly appreciated! Pray for me on the 27th when my hearing is. I will keep you all updated once I get approved!!!!! - Thanks Again! - Carol

Hi I had my surgery 12-22-03, down 50 pounds. It took me 2 weeks to get approved through Medicaid. Hope that helps. Take Care Lisa Young

Hi Lisa - thanks so much for your response and information and congratulations on your weight loss - I can't weight (pun intended) to be on your side of the "Losing Battle" I'll keep you all in touch with how my hearing turns out - Say a prayer! - Carol

Hi Carol, It can take from 10 days to 2 weeks. Let me know when you get your Medically needy will give you 800# so you can follow up for approval. Where are you having surgery? I'm going to Sioux Falls as Sioux City/Dakota Dunes will not take Medicaid. Looks like I will be having my surgery next month Take care...Carolyn

Carolyn - thanks so much for the info! I can't wait till I'm approved and restart my life over again! I will probably go to St. Lukes or Mercy Medical Center. I will let you know how the hearing turns out on the 27th though I probably won't get outcome until 2 or 3 weeks afterwards...lol Say a prayer for me that it all works out! Take care and good luck to you! - Carol