Question:
Can anyone give me help in finding out if the surgry is covered by Michigan Medicaid

   — DEBORAH C. (posted on August 6, 2000)

August 6, 2000
Hi Deborah--me again!! I forgot to say that at the time of my surgery, Medicaid was my secondary insurance!! My primary picked up 80%, Medicaid took the rest!! Don't know if you have a primary ins, just thought I'd tell you that!! :)
   — Dawne H.

August 8, 2000
There is a web site I don't have time to look for right now but I stumbled upon it one night. I have trouble getting into it (may just be my browser) but it is under HCFA which is short for Health Care Financing Agency I believe. They, as what Ray says, finance Medicaid which is federal but the individual states administer, and within certain guidelines they do cover WLS. Try to find the site or email me. I basically also have Medicaid (Wisconsin)however, are you straight Medicaid or do you have an insurance thru Medicaid...then you may be subject to their guidelines. Which is where I am having a problem, not in the requirements for the surgery which thru the insurance are more lenient!!! But in the referral requirement and that I cannot locate a pcp who will refer. Try to be as knowledgeable about what your insurance covers and what indications you need for the surgery, some docs don't know (pcps). Knowing this can help with your approval process in case you have to hand hold or fight every step of the way. The information I have received on this web site has helped me enlighten two docs so far. I have been told by two that I can't be covered when I know I can. Hope this helps.
   — JennyLynn A.