I am from Maine

Wavin2Ya · April 6, 2008

I live in Maine and have what they call Maine Care, I was wondering if anyone knew if they will pay for Lap Band and if so do they have a waiting period? and all the gym and diet requirements? I can'nt affrod a gym have they ever heard of people on a limited income? lol. My mother in-law had the by-pass years ago and suffers from SO many complications from it. I DO NOT want that done. The band seems like something for me cause when I loose weight I keep it off for the most part, but they consider me on high weight side on Dr's chart that I am still 107 pounds over weight. I have had 3 kids back to back over the last 5 years and after each one I kept 50 pounds. I am under TONS of stress at home with a bad marriage and living in a town that I HATE! Will this keep me from getting band? I want it SO BAD. I am ready to be where I was 9 years ago! I was happy at that weight and I was happy with life. I hope someone has the answers for me and can help me threw getting the system before the end of 2008!!! Glad to have found this forum and look forward to hearing from everyone.:regular_smile:

StarbuxQueen · April 6, 2008

I am so sorry things have been difficult for you. I do not know if Maine care covers the surgery. Hopefully, someone else will know. To find out if my insurance company covered the surgery I went to my insurance companies web site and searched the articles on lap band. It told me I wasn't covered unless I could meet their requirements. I started on that journey and was covered and am now 12 days post op and down 21 lbs. My prayers will be with you.

alice150 · April 6, 2008

Hi,

You can either call Maine Care directly or actually go to a seminar in your area for a doctor that does the procedure. There are usually people at the seminar who have information on the insurance end of it. They will tell you what their experience is with trying to get approval on prior cases.

Good Luck!

Wavin2Ya · April 6, 2008

I am glad you got your surgery and how would I find a seminar in my area? that is a good starting point and sometimes they make you take in seminars anyways right?

Bandme08 · April 7, 2008

I'm from Maine too! Hello fellow Maniac. I believe mmc in Bangor accepts Mainecare. I know of some people that had tried to go to Augusta (Where i'm going), and they dont' accept it. Try the bariatric ctr in Bangor- I'll look online to find out what I can for you- Where in Me are you from? The potholes and frostheaves this year are big enough to swallow a car!

Take care, and welcome! We also have a Maine Thread going here- go to thread search and find local threads/usa, go to maine- good group there!

Sarah

Wavin2Ya · April 7, 2008

Thank You for the info. and the Bangor area is EXACTLY where I am looking to go. I have to agree on the heaves our road out here is like driving a wagon trail you can't go 1/4 mile without some kind of HUGE bump or DROP off and then we have several 1/2-1/4 streches of washboards that make my truck almost go off road if I am going faster than 30. So it is a LONG trip to Ellsoworth from here. I would rather go t bangor the road is MUCH better and state maintained. Do you know if there is a waiting period? Thank You for helping me find information!:Dancing_wub:

Bandme08 · April 7, 2008

I would just call mainecare- ask them what they cover, and what you need to qualify- I have heard that they will only do Bypass if your BMI is >50. I don't know what your's is, but just a heads up! I'll still look-

Sarah

Wavin2Ya · April 7, 2008

Severly obese is anything over 30 BMI I am over 100 pounds over weight. WOW I don't plan on getting that big!!! I guess I will have to try and rasie money for the gym but I will call. Thank You:unsure:

mainefarmgirl · July 16, 2008

Hi Dee,

I am new here and just read your thread. I am waiting for Dr. Wolfe to do my surgery. I see the dietician aug 6th. Geez this does take a long time. ! How are things with you.

AngelMae2105 · July 17, 2008

I am from Maine and I tried to go to EMMC and they do not accept MaineCare for the Lap Band only for the by-pass.

I asked the lady from Maine General in Augusta if they accepted MaineCare and she said yes. Also the hospital in Lewiston, I forget the name but they also accept MaineCare.

My PCP told me that MaineCare will cover the lapband surgery I am just not sure what their requirements are yet? I am waiting for the seminar.

Good Luck and Hello from a fellow Mainer!