Toledo: Paramount Elite-no help! Anyone take Medicare?

Hi, I am a 48 year old male, who weighs 480. I need this surgery bad, but I cannot get help anywhere. I am sure that the Medicare I have will cover it, but I cannot find anyone around here that will accept that. I hear Paramount Advantage covers that, but I have Elite and I don't think there is any way I can get on Advantage as I was told that was offered to people on Medicaid and I am not on that. I am on SS disability. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do? Thanks, Mark

Hi Mark, I'm on SS disability also. Only I just have Medicaid coverage (well did that is) Soon as I got my approval for surgery (through my PCP) the ONLY Dr. left here in Toledo that does RNY, stopped accepting my insurance. So I did a little more research and decided and ended up going to Cincinnati and Dr. Curry. It was well worth the trip, they are fantastic in that office and will work things out so you don't have to make a gazillion trips down pre-op. I think I went down 3 times, the 1st meet, second where I did PAT's and signed consent forms and 3rd time was surgery. I hear there is A surgeon in Cleveland that accepts the insurance, but I can not say for sure who. Also in Dayton (if you go that far, just go to Cincy) Also there is OSU, but be prepared to make several trips down for the classes they require you to take. Hugs and God Bless,

Mark, The doctors at University Hospital in Cleveland accept Medicare. Great doctors....great program....you will love it there! uhcbariatrics.com is the web site. Good luck! Sue