Medicaid/SALUD!

Hello, Does anyone know if Medicaid/SALUD is still paying for WLS? What do you need to qualify and do they pay for Lap-Banding (would have to be out of state since I don't think anyone here does it) Any information would be so helpful. Thank you.....Vicki

Vicki, I'm sorry that no one has given you any answers here, and I'm not going to be able to either. Try calling Salud Customer Service. They should be able to help you. Also, look at our website on Yahoo. It's ABQNBB - Albuquerque New Body Beginnings. You'll find it under Yahoo Groups. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays at the Presbyterian Northside Medical Group Building. The info is posted on our website. Good luck, and hope to see you soon, Jean

Hi, I also have Salud, this is what I was told by them. WLS is not an exclusion from the healthplan so that means they will pay for it. They look at each case and approve case by case. My primary told me that she had another patient that kept getting denied over and over, but the patient didn't give up and kept at it and they finally approved it. I'm just started the process, I have to find a surgeon then have my doctor request the surgery then (I'm sure) go through all the red tape with Pres, but I'm not giving up, neither should you. Please let me know if you hear anymore about this, if you find a surgeon or if you have Pres and have success with them, I'd appreciate it.

Hello, I have Pres Salud also, my primary took the time to find the doctor that salud would pay for...I am currently undergoing all the testing needed for the lap band just keep checking with your primary and with customer service.

I have Medicaid. Just plain Medicaid I think. I go thru Lovelace. Any suggestions?

I have Pres Salud and they referred me to Dr. Eldo Frezza in Lubbock, TX. I have a consult date for Aug 10, 2005 and will keep you posted. He is on the surgeons listed on this site. If you still need help let me know and I'll look up the addy. Good luck, Renee