So, after being so optimistic about this entire thing...I call my surgeon today to ask a few questions about paperwork and she tells me that my isurance (Medicare) does not cover sleeve gastrectomy. What?! I have printed material given to me by her office that states that it is. What's the deal? I'm so confused. Not to mention the insurance coordinator wasn't the friendliest person I've met. So I have an appointment on Wednesday to see the nutritionist first (to whom I have to pay a $250 fee non-refundable) followed by an appointment with the surgeon. I think I will ask to see the Doctor first and get things cleared out with her insurance coordinator. All the insurance coordnator told me was that it is not approved and that is it pending approval possibly by the summer. This is frustrating.

I called Medicare to ask and they said sleeve gastrectomy was not on their list of approved procedures. I asked if there was any information in their system that states the status of approval or something of the sort and they had nothing. Does anyone know where else I might be able to find out?

Does anyone know anything about this?

Please let me know if you do. Thanks.

Perhaps find a nut that takes medicaid. I live in NYC and have medicaid, and Im covered.

Is it medicaid alone? or did you have to add a healthcare plan to it such a neighborhood for example? My primary is Medicare and secondary is straight medicaid. I'll look into it. Thanks

It started off as medicaid alone then eventually chose a medicaid managed program (Health plus, affinity, etc) So in a nut shell its still medicaid when I answer the question "What type of insurance you have?" by any one in a hospital/clinic etc.

thanks.

Question: does anyone know the process with Medicaid in ny, meaning as to how many months I would have to wait or what exactly do they require? Please help

Question: does anyone know the process with Medicaid in ny' date=' meaning as to how many months I would have to wait or what exactly do they require? Please help[/quote']

I would also love to know the answer to this. Do you have straight medicaid in ny or do you have a specific plan along with medicaid? I would love it if we didn't have to do the 6 month diet, but I'm sure that's required.

and thanks...I'm so glad and relieved to hear that Medicare covered you. Apparantely' date=' my Medicare is my primary insurance and Medicaid is secondary. It looks like it's the same for you.[/quote']

Medicare is always the primary insurance and Medicaid always picks up what Medicare does not pay

No I have neighborhood along with Medicaid .... I hope I do not have to wait 6 months that would be such a bummer