Posted by Lisa on April 10, 2003 at 14:51:57:
In Reply to: Referal? posted by Rena on April 09, 2003 at 18:26:25:
Hi Rena,
I applied for Medicaid 1 year ago when I was first diagnosed with MM. TODAY, yes today, I just received a call that I was approved. I am doing the happy dance!! It has been sheer hell trying to get approved for it!
This doesn't exactly answer your question regarding how you get Medicaid to approve going to Stanford but maybe gives you some insight.
I have already had one side operated on and Medicaid will back pay it. Here's the kicker though-- I live in, and received my first surgery in, Illinois. I HAVE to have any further medical care in Illinois or one of the Medicaid "sharing" states for Medicaid to pay. I am going to Stanford in May to see Dr. Steinberg because my first surgery may have been screwed up plus I wanted to eventually have my second surgery done in California and not Illinois. I am told that if I want Medicaid to pay for my second surgery that it will have to be done in Illinois-no doubt about that. I don't know what your state rules are or maybe CO "shares" Medicaid with CA? Try going to the CO Medicaid governmental site and they should tell you. If you have Medicare that's a whole different ball game as it is federally run instead of state run. I have a feeling that Medicaid is going to fight you on this one- tell you that you must stay in the state for medical care. Again, I think it all depends on the rules of your state. My ultimate best advice--get a disability/Medicaid lawyer! I fought my fight by myself for 10 months and got absolutely nowhere. I hired a lawyer and was approved within 2 months.
My heart goes out to you Rena! I don't know why "the system" makes it so darn difficult to get good medical care. If you ever want to talk more about it, don't hesitate to mail me! Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
Lisa