Medicaid and LapBand

Wisconsin Medicaid recently issued a pronouncement specifically excluding LapBand procedures from covered surgeries after Feb 1, 2005. (http://clos.net/gastric-bypass-cpt-code/wisconsin_medicaid_badgercare_bariatric_surgery.htm). I am in MHS HMO and they dropped coverage accordingly. Anyone else affected by this? I want to try and petition Medicaid for granting and exception, the problem is, I would have to opt out of HMO somehow, OR file a grievance regarding MHS unfair exclusion of a lapband as an uncovered benefit. Anyone have any experience with it or something similar? -N.

only my opinion but, I don't think you can fight Medicare.....ever....if they say no lap band, that is it!! Get the RnY...