Question:
Has anyone had any experience with trying to get approved with medicare and medicaid

I am looking into doing the surgery. i have to talk to my primary care doctor about a refural. we have talked about the surgery before this was a few years a go, but i decided against it. I feel now though that i am ready to do it and i am wondering if anyone has had experience getting approval from medicare and medicaid. I am also wondering if anyone knows if they will approve the laproscamy (sp) surgery that has the band rather then the other type where they cut and staple the stomake. if anyone has any information they could share i would greatly appreciate it.    — Jade G. (posted on April 8, 2002)

April 7, 2002
I don't know about your state but New York State has not only Medicaid but Blue Choice Option. Blue Choice Option "IS" Medicaid. I had only the Medicaid and decided to also sign up for the BCO so I would have that when I did the gastric bypass. But BCO put me through hell to get approval! I fought them for nine long months. I had approvals from EVERYONE along the way. Whenever I got approvals BCO wanted me to see someone else for a second opinion. The second phychiatrist I had to see (their boy) was the worst. What a Horse's A. Anywho, check into whether your state also has some sort of Blue Cross that is tied in with Medicaid. (No charge for BCO). Good luck.
   — Danmark

April 10, 2002
I ahve Va medicaid and also medicare and i was approved really fast.
   — Marla B.

July 4, 2002
I live in Ky. and I was approved easily. My nurse just called S.S and mine went through without any trouble. I have both medicare and medicade. No problem. I'm 6 wks post and down 56 lbs. Good luck. [email protected]
   — kysunshine