Medicaid reform update

I just got off the phone with the Acting Director of Medical Services for the State of Maine. The information that I posted this am has changed for the better. There will be a meeting on January 8th, 2004 at 442 Civic Center Drive in Augusta. The meeting will last all day but they have set time aside to debate the Gastric Bypass from 9am - 10:30am. All are welcome and actually if you want to have this surgery and you need medicaid to pay for it then you SHOULD be there. If we fail and they no longer pay for this surgery the date is set for January 20, 2004. The acting director is hopefull that people who have already been approved will still be able to have the surgery but she is not sure this will happen. Anyone who is having the surgery on of before January 20th is SAFE. The phone number to the commissioners office is 287-2736. When you get through ask for the medical department and you can talk to them about sending a letter or emailing them. I have the acting medical directors email but don't feel comfortable giving it out. I don't want her to get upset. Her name is Marianne Ringel and you can reach her at the above number. Good luck everyone and I hope that everyone gets to have their surgeries.

Thank you for this information, I have just sent emails to my Representatives & to Marianne Ringel. To anyone interested in emailing her this is where you can find contact info: http://www.state.me.us/bms/contact.html & this is her email address which is listed there: [email protected] I also found this list of what is being considered for cuts, you will need Adobe to read it. http://www.state.me.us/bms/rulemaking/budget_initiatives.pdf I am very scared that this surgery is going to be cut but i wonder if where they say it is considered "elective" if you get proof of medically being necessary will it then be approved? I just had my first appt. today & It is making me ill thinking that this option is going to be taken away from me.....anyway..thanks again for the information...Vikki

I have tried emailing you but it keeps coming back undeliveralbe...I just wanted you to know....Thanks for the info Vikki

Our only option is to BE AT THE MEETING! I'm going!