Question:
I am on Medicaid. Does it pay for weight loss procedures? Anyone know?

   — StarWish624 (posted on July 6, 2002)

July 5, 2002
When I first started looking into WLS last summer I was introduced to Wendy and she was on Medicaid. She told me that they covered for her here in CA. That is my only experience.
   — Nancy B.

July 6, 2002
I'm on medicaid too. If it's a medical necessity, they will pay. You may have to fight the red tape. I'm still trying to figure out how to make it work. :) Sandi
   — goodgal

July 6, 2002
Yes,Medicaid pays for the procedure.It depends on what state you are in.I'm on medicaid and it took them 3 days for them to approve me and within the next 5 days i had a date..I didn't have any medical problems as far as taking medication for anything.I had my first visit on May 2nd and my surgery date was June 17th.There are plenty of Doc that accepts medicaid that does the procedure and from what I hear medicaid approves it faster that other insurace companys.Good Luck and don't give up,be patient.I will pray for you.
   — BOBBIE R.

July 6, 2002
Hello there, Most Medicaid's will pay for this procedure if they feel it is medically necessary. I had my doctor write up a lengthy letter explaining my commordities, family history and weight loss attempts over the last 15 years. I was approved in less then a week! They look at your BMI also. Call your Medicaid phone number and ask! Good luck! Tammy
   — Tammy B.

July 6, 2002
I live in Alaska and have Medicaid and they approved my surgery. It took about 6 months, but I did not have to go through any appeals or write any letters to them.
   — Shawnie S.