Does medicaid cover lapband surgery?

dimples · November 23, 2005

Can someone tell me if medicaid covers lapband surgery, and is it the same requirments as regular insurance?

Alexandra · November 23, 2005

Hi Dimples,

Again, Medicaid differs from state to state. My guess, though, is that if bariatric surgery were medically necessary, AND one were able to find a bariatric surgeon who accepts Medicaid patients (very difficult, I'd think), it would be covered. But that's just a guess.

julieplunk · November 23, 2005

I am currently on Medicaid in Texas and it is to my understanding that if you have co morbidities associated with morbid obesity that medicaid will cover bariatric surgery because they consider it a medically necessary .. I am currently looking for a doctor that will accept medicaid will keep you posted..

dimples · November 23, 2005

Thanks If I find out I will let everyone know I have had my tonsils removed on medicaid but that's different.

msdimples29 · November 23, 2005

Dr Maese's office in Dallas accepts Medicaid for Lap-Band. Just FYI. His full name is Dr. Fred Maese. I don't have the #, but he is on Sherry Lane in Dallas, TX. Hope this helps someone. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Tricia K. · November 23, 2005

Dr Maese's office in Dallas accepts Medicaid for Lap-Band. Just FYI. His full name is Dr. Fred Maese. I don't have the #, but he is on Sherry Lane in Dallas, TX. Hope this helps someone. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Maese, Fred MD - Band New Life

Address: 210 W 6th St, Ferris, TX 75125 Phone:(972) 842-3911

dimples · November 23, 2005

Thank you guys soooo much. I am going to call Dr. Maese. If I have to go to dallas I will.

Mariposa Bella · November 23, 2005

You should really check into it. I live in Florida and this lady I know had the gastric bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Fort Lauderdale and it was fully paid by Medicaid. She just had a Tummy Tuck or body lift and it covered that procedure as well. So check into it. You might be able to get it done.

dimples · November 23, 2005

Thank you Mariposa I have am so afraid that my surgery will not get covered by my job. I have aetna. Where do you live down here I live in lauderdale lakes which is in Ft. lauderdale. I wish I knew some people close to me that have had the surgery. I am going to a semiar on monday the 28th of November, and can't wait. How long after should I expect to wait for my surgery pre-op things to be done including insurance stuff? Thanks again for responding to my questions. God Bless you.

Alexandra · November 24, 2005

Dimples, I don't know about Florida but in New Jersey if you have or are eligible for insurance through your employer you're NOT eligible for Medicaid. But maybe things are different in FL.

As far as how long you have to wait for the insurance stuff to be done, it's largely in your hands. Stay on top of your doctors, make sure you get copies of all test results so you know when they've been delivered to the surgeon, and then CALL the insurer to be sure it has received everything. Once all the paperwork is in their hands and the file is complete, the carrier really should be able to deliver a decision (approval or denial) quite quickly. 30 days is the statutory maximum here in NJ, and your state probably has one also. But if all the paperwork is complete it shouldn't take that long. By FAR the most time-consuming thing is getting all the information into the right hands.

Tricia K. · November 24, 2005

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051123/ap_on_he_me/obesity_surgery

dimples · November 24, 2005

Thanks for replying to my thread. I am going to my first siminar on monday and will let you guys know how it goes. Thanks for all the help.

Betje · November 24, 2005

I just one two know how cost it. I make my surgery n caracas, Venezuela and it cost me $5000,- dollar.

VelvetKiss · November 25, 2005

Medicaid differs from state to state, you can look up your local website for medicaid and it should tell you if they cover Weight Loss Surgery or not. Here in Oregon I know medicaid doesnt pay for WLS, but I believe you can fight it or if you have medical necessity then they may.

julieplunk · November 26, 2005

Dr Maese's office in Dallas accepts Medicaid for Lap-Band. Just FYI. His full name is Dr. Fred Maese. I don't have the #, but he is on Sherry Lane in Dallas, TX. Hope this helps someone. Have a great Thanksgiving.

thank you sooo much ... I am going to call him first thing Monday Morning .. Do you know if he is accepting new patients at this time ??