Question:
Pennsylvania Medicare/Medical Assistance

I am on disability and through that I have medicare. What I can't afford to pay, medical assistance pays for. Is there any special qualifications I have to go through to qualify for surgery?? I am in my early 30's and I started the process, but it doesn't do the insurance part until later down the line. I was just wondering if anyone else has dealt with both of them. Thanks :o)    — Aydenzmoma (posted on October 16, 2011)

October 16, 2011
Hello: Don't know which region of PA you are in, but here is a link to the very best and board-certified accredited Excellence in Care bariatric surgeon center you will ever find: http://www.einstein.edu/yourhealth/bariatrics/ I had RNY performed in 2009 by Dr. Trang and although I did not have MA at the time, I do now (due to my husband's loss in employment). The doctors are simply marvelous with a bedside manner second to none and their staff is equally as wonderful. I follow postop with Einstein now (almost 2 years postop) and although on MA, one would never know! I am treated with the respect and dignity that EVERY human being deserves and no differently than if I were someone "rich" and paying out of pocket. Good luck and if within a distance for you to travel, I strongly recommend you check them out. The office staff will answer any and all of your questions, support and guide you every step of the way. Also, I might suggest you contact your specific MCO (the health care plan you have selected under MA) by calling their Member Relation Dept. as well to get FAQs answered by them as well. This will certainly prove helpful in the future. Good Luck!
   — momeego

October 18, 2011
hi, I'm not in Pa, but I am in Tn, I have both medicare and medicaid, call the office of the dr. of your choice and see what insurance's the except. The nurse told me at there office Humana. and that it would pay all the dr. fee. and the only thing i had to pay was 500 dollars at the hospital, it did and i didnt have to pay anything, because i also had medicaid. also some doc tell u the fee before doing it. in tn at my dr office it was 3000 after medicare and medicaid pd, 3000 was out of my pocket, but the nurse told me to check with humana and i didnt have to pay anything in the end/ hope this helped. and god bless to u
   — doodlebug125