Insurance question....as usual

I know you guys have probably been asked this question over and over but I neglected to find an answer while searching the message boards. I need to know if anyone has had any experience getting approval from a Medicaid HMO (portage county ohio) Buckeye Community health. My options were Caresource, buckeye, and some other I cant remember. It's still Medicaid, however the state doesnt let you keep straight medicaid anymore. Qualifying for the surgery is the easy part. Have a BMI of over 60, Sleep Apnea, Depression, Hypertension, Degenerative Joint Syndrome, and chronic skin infections. I recently learned I have to undergo surgery to my Left knee to rebuild the joint due to weight bearing damage and arthritis. If anyone has any info, I would greatly appreciate it. I am not new to seeking approval, Ive tried many times before but have faced insurance hurdles. IF anyone knows about this insurance company....perhaps they also may know of a surgeon who DOESNT charge 2000 bucks OUT OF POCKET before they consider it (SUMMA *******S!!) Thanks a bunch, Andrea

Hi Andrea, I don't know anything about Medicaid but I wanted to say hi from another Ravennian. I had my surgery on April 19th at St Vincent in Cleveland, they only charge $250 for the "membership" fee, not $2000 like Akron. I chose St Vincents for their reputation, then after researching I found out the charges. You might want to look into St Vincents, they were really helpful when it came to getting all of my insurance things together. Whatever you decide, good luck and keep us posted. Debbie

Hi, I am going to Cleveland Clinic for my surgery. My surgeon's name is Dr. Philip Schauer he is really nice and has a good reputuation and they told me I do not have to pay anything until after my insurance has paid their portion. I am just finishing up my six month supervised diet next week then my papers will be sent for approval. You might try calling them to see what their policy is to double check. I could not afford the $2000 out of pocket either, so my PCP sent me there. Hope this helps. CHERYL

go to the cleveland clinic. they dont! st vincent in cleveland does. they are rip offs/