MEDICAID... Help Please

I was wondering if anyone hear is on medicaid.. and what the process was.. how long it takes i just sent off for approval for step 1 and i guess there are 3 steps befor you can have surgery. I am so frustrated as i have been working on this for well over a year and half. I seem to be getting no where. I take one step forward and thrown back 2.. The surgery center i am trying to go to says that i have to have certain co-morbilities even though i have a bunch, its so frustrating to me. i'm not diabetic and i dont need joint replacement, what i do have is ...Sleep Apnea, hypothyroid, hypertention, high cholesteral, high blood pressure, insomnia, morbid obesity, depression and the list goes on and on. My doc says if i dont get the surgery i will end up with diabetes as it runs in my family as well as many other factors. please please help me i am desperate for answers... Michelle frim Malaga, WA

Hi Michelle, I have heard the stories from people who have medicaid. I hear it takes a really long time to get through the process. And then finding a surgeon who will accept it is another issue. I sure hope someone has some information for you. I really don't know anything other than what I have heard. But they do cover it so I guess just be even more patient and keep jumping through whatever hoop they set in front of you. Be persistant and don't give up!! Take care, Lori

Hi Michelle my name is Lorene (Dee) Roman and I am on medicaid also. I know what you are talking about when you say one step forward and being thrown back 2. Well, I have been trying to have the surgery for over 4 yrs now. I am finally on the list for the UW which is the only place at this time in this state that will take the medicaid and do the surgery but they have a 2 yr waiting list. But don't get discouraged because sooner or later it will come through. My comorbitities are high blood pressure, diabetes, morbid obesity, arthritis, asthma, sleep apnea, insomnia, depression and agoraphobia. The first thing you need to do is get on the waiting list for the UW, now you don't have to quit looking elsewhere but just get on that list. I hope this helps and if you want to email me and talk here is my address [email protected].