will Medical cover the sleeve?

[shaylab0 0]

Hello I am wanting to know if I am wasting my time and hoping for nothing....Do any of you know if Medi-cal will approve the sleeve procedure? Does medi-cal even cover any wls?? thank you for your help.....

[jerrylauren50 0]

take a look at this.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/298585-how-much-a-gastric-sleeve-insurance-covers/

Sometimes, insurers cover some types of weight loss surgery but do not cover others.

[shaylab0 0]

thank you for your help I am going to be getting the Obama care but the low income Medi-cal and I didn't know if the low income medi-cal insurance covers wls.... I unfortunately cannot afford to finance the wls on my own...If anyone who has medi-cal and has had wls covered, please give me a little insight on approval or what wls was covered I would really appreciate it!! thanks

[Healthier2day1227 326]

I have Medi cal and my sleeve was covered. I started the process last Jan and was sleeved in June. It wasn't a battle at all.

[shaylab0 0]

That is soo great to hear!! Do you remember what criteria you had to have? like BMI or anything else? I am really considering wls but I have many questions and I am also worried about possible complications later in life?

[Healthier2day1227 326]

I had a bmi of 41 but no comorbidities. I'm not sure what their requirement was. It was a very easy process and I had no out of pocket. I'm very grateful because this surgery changed my life and I never would've been able to afford it on my own.

[shaylab0 0]

Thank you so much for talking with me, I really appreciate it. I think my BMI is something like almost 46 :/ yikes! I still can't believe I let myself gain this much after losing 75 pounds a few years ago, all I was doing was diet and exercise but unfortunately I gained it all back...I want a tool to keep the weight off for good and I feel like the sleeve looks like the best option for me. Congrats to you on making this big decision! If it's ok for me to ask...how much have you lost since your surgery? is it hard to keep on track?? Also how was the recovery and the recovery time? thanks again for the advice and help!

[Bluesea71 698]

What state do you live in? Individual states determine if they cover wls or not. I would suggest you call the 800 number and ask them directly what benefits your plan covers. I don't have medi-cal, but I am a medi-cal provider. Many states, such as New York and California now require insurance companies to cover WLS but other states like Minnesota and Connecticut do not. Good luck!

[shaylab0 0]

I am still in the process of getting Medi-cal but as soon as I get my card I will definitely call thank you! I do live in CA so I am getting a little more excited now with this new hope! It is still a huge decision for me to make so wish me luck and thank you all for your wonderful help!!

[Healthier2day1227 326]

I started at 280 and now weigh 191. I'm also in CA. Best of luck to you! I don't know if this makes a difference but the provider of Medi cal I have is Cal Optima.

[chad.vicious 23]

I have Medicare and Medi-Cal. Medicare will be covering 80% of my surgery and Medi-Cal will be covering the remaining 20%. I hope you're covered. Keep us updated.

Edited April 3, 2014 by chad.vicious

[cfinch70 56]

I started at 280 and now weigh 191. I'm also in CA. Best of luck to you! I don't know if this makes a difference but the provider of Medi cal I have is Cal Optima.

hi there I am new to this site I just got cal optima and read that you had it too.ca you help me? How was the process for you? Who was your dr and what is the process? Thank you in advance and would really appreciate your help.

Chris