Hello From Ne Ohio

dmrink · January 2, 2008

Hi,

I started my process in May of '07, and found LBT shortly after. Great information from you all. I have been planning on doing a self pay, a lot of money but sooo worth it when good health returns!! Then I read a post from Weedwoman who's surgery is being paid for my Medicare.:omg:

I'm 7 months from Medicare, so I'm going to find out the facts and possibly save $17,000.:whoo:

I'm going thru University Hospital Systems in Chardon Ohio which is a "center of excellence" as required by medicare, so we will see.

I'm excited about the lap-band. I was too worried about the RNY to consider it. But the lap-band sounds so much safer, it's like an answer to a prayer. I'm starting out at 270, 43 BMI, 64 years old. (I was so glad that Weedwoman was my age, I haven't seen too many of us that once danced the "twist"). Thank you all in advance for the help and support.

Dawn

mary1094 · January 2, 2008

good luck to you...I hope it works out

Forestcat5 · January 2, 2008

Hi dmrink -

Welcome! I'm also from the Cleveland area and was banded at St Vincent Hospital on Nov 1st.

Good luck on the Medicare!!! Let us know what you find out.

Weedwoman · January 12, 2008

Hi,
I started my process in May of '07, and found LBT shortly after. Great information from you all. I have been planning on doing a self pay, a lot of money but sooo worth it when good health returns!! Then I read a post from Weedwoman who's surgery is being paid for my Medicare.:omg:

I'm 7 months from Medicare, so I'm going to find out the facts and possibly save $17,000.:whoo:

I'm going thru University Hospital Systems in Chardon Ohio which is a "center of excellence" as required by medicare, so we will see.

I'm excited about the lap-band. I was too worried about the RNY to consider it. But the lap-band sounds so much safer, it's like an answer to a prayer. I'm starting out at 270, 43 BMI, 64 years old. (I was so glad that Weedwoman was my age, I haven't seen too many of us that once danced the "twist"). Thank you all in advance for the help and support.

Dawn

Hi DMRINK,

I'm delighted that you found my post about Medicare and hope it helps you with reimbursement.

When I called Medicare, I was told that they cover 80% of the costs. Not sure whether that includes fills and follow-up care, but they would certainly cover any problems that need addressing, including surgeries, always with the appropriate deductible.

I'm fortunate to have BlueCross BlueShield Medex 3 through a company, and they pick up where Medicare leaves off, covering Rx and much else, including deductibles. There are several variations of this plan, some for individuals. It's pricey per month, but well worth it if you can afford it. I like the idea of an insurance backup that covers more than medication. BCBS rules are that if Medicare approves a procedure, they will pay what Medicare doesn't pick up. BCBS doesn't rule on the appropriateness of the surgery; Medicare does. This was confirmed by BCBS representative about my proposed surgery.

Incidently, you could find it very helpful to start the Medicare enrollment up to three months before age 65. I waited too long and got caught up in paperwork and gaps. You can also enroll in Medicare and ask all your questions with a personal Medicare consultant by phone -- who knew! -- who takes care of the process for you and you only have to deliver key documents like birth certificate, etc. to the local office for copying -- and can take them back home with you. Other options include mail, with the docs returned after they are copied. Medicare must see the originals at least once.

Enough for now --

Good luck, and keep me posted on your progress.

Weedwoman