I would still  check with a DHS representative.   I understood they wrote the rules so that IowaCare could cover services your primary insurance won't cover.    So it won't replace your insurance - but could be a gap coverage for things your insurance won't cover.  The grey area might be any prescriptions - since IowaCare won't cover drugs.

I am a Lightweight. I am only one of many others like me. Together, we are a team. Though our journeys and choices may be different, we are bonded together by the commonality of being Lightweights and the strategies, successes and struggles that entails. It is this bond that defines this board.

I began my journey with a BMI of less than 45 and/or with less than 150 lbs excess weight. My lower BMI and excess weight does in no way make me less deserving of medical intervention, and I should not be made to feel inferior or guilty.

I qualified for WLS because I have co-morbidities, or because my medical history proves that my weight is diet and exercise resistant.

I have worked with my healthcare team to determine the best surgical option for me. I am confident that others have done so as well, so I will refrain from passing judgments. 

I will freely share the most accurate information I have, as well as my own personal journey and why I chose my surgery in an informative, educational and respectful way so that others may learn from my experiences. 

I respect the decisions of my fellow Lightweights, regardless of the surgery they chose and the nutritional/exercise plans they follow.

I will always promote health and a healthy lifestyle, whether physical or mental; and will respect alternate methods and views toward achieving good health, even if I do not espouse them personally.

I will always be sensitive, honest and respectful when contributing to discussions on this board and in my PMs. I will never flame, demean, invalidate or harass others for their questions or decisions. I will remember, at all times, the difficulties and pain I went through on my own journey and be considerate of others when discussing theirs.

I will always defend and unite with my fellow Lightweights against prejudice and hostility. 

I understand it is my responsibility to report offensive conduct to my fellow Lightweights, so that we may deal with offending parties as a united front to preserve the supportive and tolerant atmosphere of our board.

I understand that if my conduct becomes offensive, I will not be welcome to participate on this board any longer.

Hey Karla..well first off WELCOME to OH and congrats on making the first step towards a wonderful experience just lying ahead of you.  Now I dont have the same insurance as you but my advice would be to call your customer service @ your insurance (ask to speak to a supervisor-a lot of just regular customer service reps give all kinds of info that is not always accurate)...call then and ask them what you need in order to get approved for bariatric surgery and find out if your policy does cover it and if there are any exclusions..sometimes insurance companies dont cover RYN but cover Lap-band..I know kinda strange huh?  Anyway, thats what I would do.  Once you gather up that info, you can start doing what they require of you.  Ask for how long it takes to get approved..thats anyone's guess in all honesty..ive heard ppl get approved as early as in 3 days to like over a year.  Your surgeon will tell you that it is your responsibility to call your INS and find out what is needed to get approved.  Hope this helps in some way!  Oh and you may want to post on the INSURANCE HELP forum on here because you may find someone who has your same ins on there..its a pretty helpful forum..again hope I helped and congrats on embarking on this adventure..wish you much success with everything hun!

Always,

Tonya

I see you had Dr.Cahalan do your sugery . He is also my Dr. and I am hoping everything goes through and I can have the lapband surgery in July.  Tell me how u r doing and are you glad you had it? Hope to hear from you.  Margo from Ames