Question:
Does Medicaid ever pay for lap-band? I have Medicare and

Medicaid. I live in Arlington, Texas and am wondering where in the DFW area medicare/medicaid is accepted.Will they ever cover non-life threatening procedures.And with those insurance(s)how quickly can one get the procedure done?    — AnneKS (posted on June 20, 2009)

June 20, 2009
I don't know about Texas, but in Kentucky Medicaid will cover the cost of RNY. You have to do the six months of counseling and stuff, though.
   — PaulaJ

June 20, 2009
Ooops! Let me clarify my previous answer. The surgery that I had was RNY gastric bypass. I really don't know about the lapband. Sorry. Good luck to you!
   — PaulaJ

June 20, 2009
I am nearly 3 weeks post op RNY. I live about 100 miles from Dallas and Dr. Wade Barker in Dallas on Buckner Blvd 1-866-880-1444 did my surgery. I'm not on Medicaid and know nothing about it but I think he accepts it. Oh, and if you end up using him, somehwere on the paperwork you fill out it will ask who referred you. I would appreciate your putting my name Kathleen Fuller. Best wishes and I hope all works out for you Anne.
   — Kathleen F.

June 21, 2009
I live in NJ and they paid for my VSG in full. Good luck
   — chell1957

June 21, 2009
HI, I live in CT and medicare and medicaid paid for me to have the gastric bypass. It was medically needed. I needed to go through a six month eveluation but it was totally worth it as I am down 160 lbs
   — Lynnmon

June 21, 2009
Medicare paid for mine through Stanford University Bariatric Program in Ca. Why don't you try through a medical school in your state? Marti in San Jose
   — Marti P.

June 26, 2009
I'm in the Austin area and yes, Medicaid will cover, but not every doc in Texas takes Medicaid. I orginally had a doc in SA who didn't take Medicaid and have since switched to a doc at Scott & White in Temple (for reasons other than insurance) and according to their business office I will be covered with both Medicare and Medicaid. But remember you have to do the 3-6 month diet/medically approved weight loss program as well as have a co-morbidity(s) and/or high BMI. As for my approval I went to S&W's inital seminar in late March, Psyc. eval late April and got approval from business office on June 16 - now having to other testing done on Monday CT) and just waiting on a date. I hope this helps with your question. Good Luck!!
   — Chembe