Mainecare? Recently approved?????

Hi I've just finished my first consult with Dr Cobean and on my way out asked the front desk person about my chances of being approved by Mainecare. She said with my BMI (46.7) and my relatively few comorbidities, I may not be approved. She said that Mainecare had been getting stricter in the past three or so months. I'm feeling pretty deflated, so I thought I'd come here to see if anyone with a BMI of under 50 and no huge comorbidities was recently approved by Mainecare. Also, does anyone know ik Mainecare covers Lapband in addition to RNY?? Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

Erin, I don't have any answers to your questions, but just wanted to tell you not to get too discouraged. I had Anthem insurance when I was going through the process and had heard horror stories about trying to get approved through them. I was so sure that I would be denied, that I had started researching how to appeal and had an appeal letter almost finished. But, they approved 3 days after it was submitted to them. My BMI was lower and I didn't have any real comorbities to speak of. So, keep plugging away at it and keep fighting. Jill PS--I looked at your profile and your son is ADORABLE!!!!!!

Hi Erin, I got a newsletter called "The Skinny" put out by my surgeon the other day and recall reading that Mainecare does require at least 1 major co-morbidity now like hypertension, diabetes or apnea. there may have been a couple more but I don't remember what they were. It also said they will no longer approve for BMI as the only factor. I wish you the best of luck with your journey. And I would have to agree with the previous poster, what a very handsome young man you have! Ann

Hi Erin, I'm new to the site. I'm also in the same boat that your in, so I'll be interested in how things go for you. My BMI is 41.2 and I'm relatively healthy. I wonder what Maine Care considers a "major" comorbidity? I have my first consult with my surgeon, Dr. Trieu, Oct. 10th. Hopefully MaineCare won't be a stumbling block....Good Luck and keep us posted! Blessings, Yvonne