Hopefully Someone Has Some Information

Hi Ohio! I have a couple of questions that I am hoping some posters or Dr.'s can answer. Now that Ohio has gone to a different Medicaid, where you choose a provider that is a real insurance, is approval any easier? I am having a hard time because my BMI is not as high as Medicaid required and I am hoping that it will be easier now. Also could Lap-Band be an option? The insurance carrier I picked was Buckeye Health Plan. Any info would be excellent. Thanks so much Nikkie

Hi Nikkie, I'm not sure how much easier it is. While it is true that Medicaid is hard to get approval, all insurances have their own guidelines. I will tell you that Buckeye requires 6 months of recent weight loss attempts that is supervised (monthly), and documented by your physician . When you get your packet from Buckeye, I would call them and ask them what all they require, and whether lap band would be covered. Good luck to you. Tonya

Nikkie, I do know that Medicaid requires to you go to a "Center of Excellence" for surgery. You could start with the hospital and doctor that will accept your insurance and then find out what else is required. They (dr.'s offices) are a wealth of knowledge. They will steer you in the right direction. Good luck with your journey! Sue 325/goal 130/current 123