I have heard rumors that they cover gastric bypass surgery for people who have type 2 diabetes and have a bmi of over 35. Mine is like 60 and i have been diagnosed diabetic even though i dont take meds currently.
Just was wondering if anyone was able to get the surgery, if they had to pay a co-pay, where the surgery was at, which Dr it was with and how their experience was. Thanks everybody! Jenni

Don't have an answer for you. Just wanted to wish you the best!

I don't know either Jenni.  Hey - if you're looking for a support group meeting, we have one here in Eugene.  Our next meeting is September 17th.  It's upstairs (over the coffee bar) at the Market of Choice, 29th and Willamette Streets, 6-7:30 p.m.  Hope to see you there.  I hope you find that what you've heard about OHP is true.  That would be wonderful.

Linda

I checked OHP's prioritized list of health services that was effective April 1, 2008.  WLS is covered under line 33 only when the co-morbidity is Type 2 Diabetes and the BMI is 35 or more.  Those without this co-morbidity are still considered far lower in priority under line 608 of the same list and are therefore not covered under the OHP.  Here is the link:
http://www.oregon.gov/OHPPR/HSC/docs/Apr08Plist.pdf

According to the OHSU website, bariatric surgery for obesity is included for patients over 18 years old with a BMI of over 35 and type 2 diabetes.

Don't think that either one has requirements for taking medicines for diabetes.

Hope this helps!

Hi. Yes OHP does pay for the surgery. I was denied the first time but after my appeal letter I was approved. I had a bmi in the 50s and yes I am a type 2 diabetic (or should I say was, no meds at all since day before surgery ) I did have to pay $750 program fee but otherwise no other out-of-pocket expenses.

I went with Dr Read at the Samaritan Bariatric Surgery program in Corvallis. He is an excellent doctor! The number is 541-768-4280 if you wanted to give them a call.

Hope this helps,

Michelle