Anybody know anything about Tenncare?

Hey everyone! I'm pretty new to the boards (less than a week!), and the more that I read and research (on and off this site), the more encouraged and excited about the possibility of WLS. My parents are supportive, finally!, and so I feel ready to take the plunge. I'm wondering if any of you, being from TN, know anything about Tenncare covering the cost of WLS. I would definitely be a candidate for WLS, with no questions asked, but I don't have any insurance at the moment. I'm planning on applying for Tenncare as soon as I get back home. I'm visiting my parents in Texas for a few weeks. Anyway, any information that you might have would be welcome. Thanks!

Hi Beth, several have had their surgeries done thru TennCare. It's just finding a surgeon to accept it. Someone on the board may be able to help you more. Also you can check on the top of this page and the message board page on Find A Doc, you find one then research him and sometimes it will list what insurance he may or may have accepted. Call the surgeon's office and ask. But check with getting your Tn Care first. On the back of the card is a customer service number, call it and ask for a case manager. In about 24-48 hours someone will contact you and help you thru your journey. The person will be able to give you Dr.'s who did or still does accept TNcare. You will just have to call and check. May God guide you on your journey, Kathy

Hi beth, I can only tell you my experience so far..I have Blue Care with TennCare. They have changed procedures for approval...if you can get TennCare , you will either be given, or choose a dr....Your dr.(PCP) has to get ahold of TennCare, send in your paperwork,and has a telephone conference, then TennCare decides if your eligible and TennCare finds you a surgeon that will accept TennCare patients..it might even be a surgeon that doesn't usually take TennCare, but will negotiate a fee with them for the surgery. They used to give you a casemanager and work from there, but they told me that alot of PCPs were almost left out ot the decision making as to whether it was "medically nessary" or not...so now all you do is wait...wait...wait... But with TennCare dropping people this summer, I don't know how it will all go. Hope this helps

I've got PHP Tenncare and they approved my surgery within a couple of weeks. It was a very easy process. I'm not sure Tenncare is taking new enrollees now, though. You should probably look into that first.

Thanks everyone for your help. I'll keep you posted as I do more research, and as I get back to Memphis to attempt enrolling in Tenncare. Wish me luck! Beth