Question:
My sister is on medical assistance and has no insurance. Do you know of any plans

that will help her with her attempt to find coverage for wls? We are from Wisconsin    — Kristen H. (posted on May 1, 2003)

May 1, 2003
Hi I am from Pennsylvania and I am on medical assistance also. I have no other insurance. In my state medical assistance will cover WLS as long as it is medicaly nessasary. In my case it is because I have high blood pressure. Also here in Pa a referral from PCP and documentation from PCP of past diet attemps is required. I hope this helps your sister out. Good luck.
   — Christy M.

May 1, 2003
There is a difference between State Medical Assistance and Medicaid. When I was on just the medical assistance it was for basic care (dr visits and prescriptions only...and then even if you needed to go to the hospital for some reason you had to get a preauthorization from your physician first). So the only way I think that your sister would get approved for WLS would be for her to qualify for medicaid. When I inquired about WLS while on just the State Aid that is what I was told. Things may be different in WI compared to MI...but I received my State Medical the day I applied for it. I didnt get approved for medicaid until 4 1/2 months later with lots of medical documentation of health issues. I would assume that if your sister has enough health problems to need WLS then she should have no problem getting all the medical documentation they need to approve her for medicaid. Wishing you both luck in the journey for WLS. =)
   — ImANewDee

May 3, 2003
Hi there, Kristen! I'm also in WI and I also had Title 19. I had the Badgercare. I was approved in less than a week, but I had a lot of co-morbids and my PCP and surgeon were fabulous at helping as well. If you or your sister would like more info, please email and I'll be happy to help as much as possible. Vi. open RNY 9/23/02 down 129 lbs.
   — Vi F.