Question:
Does anyone know if Medicaid covers a bariatric surgery in the state of Florida?

I just had the procedure 3 weeks ago and a friend of mine wanted me to post this question to find out if anyone has had Medicaid approve bariatric surgery in the Sunshine State, Florida. Your comments will be appreciated, Thank you.    — Tracee B. (posted on July 8, 2005)

July 8, 2005
I am pretty sure that medicaid is pretty much the same everywhere. They cover it here in Ky and in several other states that I have seen. Go to the link up top this page that says insurers and click your state and find medicaid and see who has it and what they had to go through to get it covered, Mostly I think they require the six months supervised diet. Best Wishes to Your Friend and congratulations to You. Shell 287/174/160
   — Shell G

July 8, 2005
I'm replying to previous poster. Medicaid does not cover it in the state of Texas.
   — Julie S.

July 9, 2005
Last I heard, Florida Medicaid does cover it, however, it is very difficult to find a surgeon who accepts Medicaid for bariatric surgery. During an insurance session at a support group meeting (almost 2 years ago now) they said they stopped accepting Medicaid because the previous year (which woud have been 2002) they performed 36 RNY's on Medicaid patients and hadn't been paid on any of them. Post this question on the Florida local board, maybe someone there knows something more. Good luck!
   — Shayna T.

July 9, 2005
Yes, medicaid does cover thr surgery in Florida I live in Palm beach county and My surgeon is in Ft lauderdale. There are other doctors in Florida that also except medicaid what part of Florida does your friend live in? If she needs names and numbers you can e-mail me Ill help her.
   — melindameyers