new to board

Hi all, I just wanted to introduce myself. I have checked out your board a few times , but never posted, I was so excited to read a post by Mark, about a new c.o.e in the area, I havent yet checked it out , I do not have a reg. DR. and hope it won't be an issue, I have had so many ups and downs..so excited to finally win my ssa case and get medicare, only to find out a few mo.s later I had to find a dr. AND a coe who accepts medicare , within a reasonable distance. Then I read that wonderful post!!! I will probably call in a day or two when I work up the nerve. Anyone have advice for me, or could give me some idea of what to expect...time frame, out of pocket expense etc etc. thank you so much in advance. Susan in s.e. kansas.

Hi Susan! I don't have any experience with your situation, but I wanted to tell you good luck and welcome to the KS board! Keep us posted on your progress!! ~Tiffany

Hi Susan, I have Medicare also and am going to the COE down in Norman, Oklahoma. I do not know what out of pocket expenses we will have to pay, if you have Medicaid also I heard they pick up what Medicare does not pay (do not quote me on that it is what I heard) I am going to a seminar on June 14th and I know of several people who are on Medicare who are going through Norman, so if you are going to the COE in Sedalia, Missouri I would be quick about it and give them a call so they can get you in. Good luck on your journey and please continue to post here on the Kansas board. Thanks. Steph.

Hi Susan Welcome! I think you may want to get a primary care doc as you will needs a lot of documentation for the WLS surgeons. In regard to Medicare, do you have it or do you have a waiting period to get it after being awarded SSDI? There are also places here on OH to find out what to do and where to begin if you look up at the top of the home page. In regard to what Steph said about Medicaid, I do believe that Medicaid is State funded and you cannot use your Medicaid card for payment out of state, however, medicare is federally funded and can be used anyplace in the US. I am not sure, but you can call the 800 number and ask to be sure. Again, good luck and welcome!

Hi, my waiting period is over,(thank goodness!) I do not have medicaid. What kind of documentation do they need? I figured a physical should do it, I am in pretty good health for weighing 385 lb.s other than type 2 diabetes . Since medicare covers the surgery (i don't think you even need a referrel) Do I have to provide documentation of medically supervised diets? oooooh that was so many yr.s ago , and in a diff. state. Any reason why so many of you are going to OK. instead of Sedalia?

Hi Susan the reason some of us are going to Oklahoma is that it is closer than Sedalia. In my case it is going to be over a 3 hour drive either way since I am in Wichita. Dream thank you for clarifying about Medicaid I forgot she was going out of state also. Darn it they need to get a COE here for us Kansas folks. I emailed somebody in Medicare about when we would get a COE, but sadly they have not emailed me back. Thanks Steph.