Wondering what comorbidites are insurance (provincial ) or otherwise are they looking for? To assist in paying for a portion of the surgery?

Edited January 4, 200917 yr by mlm

I live in New Brunswick and in order to get medicare to pay for my wls, I had to prove that I had tried unsuccessfully to lose weight over the last 5 years with documentation. I had reciepts from weightwatchers, curves, gym membership reciept along with every diet book written in the last 5 years and documentation from my family doctor dated 5 years ago where I had requested a referral to a dietition for diet consult.I needed all that to get my endocrinologist to refer me to a wls surgeon. I have spent the last 2 years with regular appointments with his weight loss team. I also have type 2 diabetes, had a heart attack in May, have arthritis and failed back syndrome. I walk with a cane and can only stand for 10 to 15 minutes. The province will pay for either the bypass or the lapband (including the band itself).

I am in alberta. Through Alberta Health Care and my private health insurance everything was paid for...I just needed a doctors letter...and the letter just said - I recommend for __ to have lapband surgery for medical reasons. Thats it. Just call your health care provider. I didnt think my health insurance would pay any - but I called and they covered anything that alberta health wouldnt cover! I was amazed!

I am in alberta. Through Alberta Health Care and my private health insurance everything was paid for...I just needed a doctors letter...and the letter just said - I recommend for __ to have lapband surgery for medical reasons. Thats it. Just call your health care provider. I didnt think my health insurance would pay any - but I called and they covered anything that alberta health wouldnt cover! I was amazed!

hello! i am also from alberta, which company are you with?

Manulife sent me a message saying that since Alberta Health Care covers it, they don't. What's that about??!!

Did it matter if you went out of country?

thanks,

Edited February 11, 200917 yr by DannyLu