WLS for Medicaid Patients
Yes, Thelma, Medicaid does cover WLS if you meet the criteria. The steps are generally as follows:
1. find a surgeon who takes Medicaid (ask before you waste a lot of time getting involved in the program)
2. meet the criteria established by Medicaid for WLS which is basically a BMI of 35 or higher with 1 or more weight-related medical illnesses. The higher your BMI and more medical problems you have, the faster and more likely you will be approved.
Good luck,
Dr. C
The Deaconess Surgical Weight Loss Center
Cincinnati, Ohio (513) 559-2545
I also have nedicaid and my surgery is scheduled for Tues. June 29th. I went to the Cleveland Clinic. They have a whole program for WLS. I saw Endo. Doc first, then nutritionist, physchologist and then Surgeon. They are all a team there, they are wonderful. Medicaid paid for everything so far. I have high Blood pressure and severe sleep apnea, not to mention bad knees and depression. At 25, Medicaid approved me first try, the surgery is medically ness. Tell your friend to go for it! If she needs it they will help! Check local hospitals and search on this site.
Ang
HELLO I HAVE MEDICAID AND YES THEY WILL PAY FOR IT , AND I WENT TO DOCTOR TRACE CURRY AND HE IS VERY NICE AND HIS STAFF ARE VERY FRIENDLY I COULD TELL WHENI WENT FOR MY FIRST VISIT I LIKED THEM ALL ,, I AM JUST STARTING THE PROCESS WITH MEDICADE AND HIS STAFF WILL GUIDE YOU ALONG I SUGGEST GOING TO HIM
I am awaiting approval but I was told that exactly what Dr.Curry told you and he also told me that it often takes 3- 6 months before you hear anything from them I called them on Friday the 25 to see if they have even received my claim (only trying to push things along )and the girl on the consumer hotline said that she was un able to tell be anything something about she does not have that type of access but she did say the only way I will receive a letter from them is if I am denied and that the Dr. will receive any approval letters so I am hoping to not hear from medicaid and hopeing to hear only from Dr.Currys assistant Cathy the only thing your friend can do is try these is no harm in trying