Maintoba pays for lap-band???

I just heard that Manitoba will cover the cost of the lapband surgery. I live in Ontario and am very interested in finding out if I can go to Manitoba to have the procedure done. It is costing me $16,000 to have it done in Ontario. Also, if I do quality, I would need a doctor in the Windsor, Sarnia, London area to do the fills. Any help on this? Thanks

I am not sure if the lap-band is covered in Manitoba, it was not when i started my quest for surgury. I do know that as of right now there are no doctors in Manatoba who perform Bariatric sugury. I am being flown out of province to Alberta for mine. Hope this information helps a bit. Christina

hi just wondering if it is true that manitoba pays for lap banding if you have any info on this please let me know thanks

Lap band is not paid for you need pay cost of band

I spoke to a lady at Manitoba Health and she said they don't cover the cost for the actual Lap-band devise or the fills.  They will cover the actual surgery, I did ask how much is the cost, she couldn,t answer.  Maples Surgical Centre now does the lap-band, but it's a private clinic and if you have the money to get it down, go for it between $10 to $20 thousand dollars. 

Here is an email I received this morning from MB Health. Thought it was very informative and straight from the horse's mouth so to speak. Enjoy.


Thank you for your enquiry regarding the adjustable lap banding procedure.   Manitoba Health considers surgical treatment of morbid obesity an insured service and is aware that this surgery is not available locally in Manitoba; however approvals for coverage of the surgery are restricted to Canadian facilities and surgeons.  Residents who elect to seek treatment outside of Canada without prior approval of Manitoba Health are not eligible for reimbursement under the Regulations.  Please be advised that Manitoba Health does not consider the adjustable gastric banding device an insured benefit and the cost to purchase the device is not eligible for coverage, and remains the patient’s responsibility.

 

                    MMEDICAL (PHYSICIANS):

 MManitoba HeManitoba Health will provide coverage based on the physician’s fee schedule in the province where the service is provided.

 

Manitoba Health has billing arrangements with all other provincial health plans (except Quebec) for payment of physicians’ bills.  These billing arrangements are called Interprovincial Reciprocal Billing Agreements and physicians who bill this way accept their home province fee schedule as “payment in full". 

 Some Canadian physicians (such as in Quebec) may choose not to participate in the Interprovincial Reciprocal Billing Agreements and instead choose to bill the patient or Manitoba
Health directly.  In these cases, physicians may charge a fee that is higher than the amounts listed in their provincial fee schedule.  Patients should be aware that any difference between the fee schedule amount and the amount charged by the physician is not covered by Manitoba Health.  

 

                        HOSPITAL:

 Hospial                Hospital benefits will be paid in accordance with the rates established by the health insurance plan of the province in which the hospital is situated.  Payment will be made directly to the hospital through the reciprocal agreement between provinces.  

 PRIVATE CLINICS:

 Private clinics may charge patients directly for the use of the facility as well as for any drugs, materials or supplies used.  These charges are not insured benefits and Manitoba Health cannot participate in payment of the costs.

 Transportation subsides are available to Manitoba residents who have been referred out of Manitoba by Manitoba medical specialists and who have received the approval of Manitoba Health.  Please refer to our Out-of-Province Medical Referrals website http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/oop.html.

                              Manitoba Health provides a travel subsidy for one gastroplasty consultation/assessment visit, one surgical procedure visit and one post-op visit with approved referral letter from your Manitoba specialist.  Travel costs incurred solely for the purpose of attending information sessions are not eligible for reimbursement under the Transportation Subsidy Program.

 Should you require additional information please contact our office at (204) 786-7303 or toll free1-800-392-1207 ext 7303.

 In Manitoba, Regional Health Authorities (RHA’s) have responsibility for the delivery and administration of health services in specific geographical areas.  The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is responsible for delivery of care in the Winnipeg area.  Therefore, you may wish to direct your enquiry regarding your care to the WRHA at (204) 926-7825.