Question:
do Medicare/Medicaid cover surgery?
I'm 57 and disabled due to a spinal implant, which is not being helped by carrying around a lot of extra weight. Has anyone had Medicare or Medicaid cover their surgery? It would certainly represent a financial savings to them in the future~ — Elizabeth V. (posted on October 19, 2004)
October 19, 2004
I have medicare and medicade and I am doiabled because of my weight,
diabet, and depression and they are covering it for me if your primary
doctor things it would be benifical to you he can write a letter to
medicare and medicade on your behalf stating that you should also write one
telling how you think the operation will benifit you. Good Luck
— Shirleyfl2005
October 19, 2004
Medicare just had an article that they are approving the gastric bypass on
morbid obesity alone, no co-morbidites. The governmental has declared MO an
decease, so yes, Medicare does cover gastric bypass. Go to the Medicare
website and you will be able to read about this
— cindy
October 19, 2004
I'm on Medicare and Medicaid as well. According to the New Start program,
if your surgeon says yes, it's yes. I heard that Medicare is very easy to
work with. Hope this helps!
Connie
— christianwife
October 19, 2004
I have been disabled because of a back injury for 16 years and had my
bypass 4 1/2 years ago. Medicare paid the majority of my bill. After they
paid, I went to DSS and applied for Medicaid for the dates of my surgery
and they paid the balance. Good luck!!
— Nonie M.
October 20, 2004
I live in VA and medicaid does pay for WLS. I have what is called VA
Primier medicaid. I guess it depend on what state that you live in. I know
in VA you have to be at least a 100lbs over your ideal weight. Check with
your medicaid office they should be able to tell you if WLS covered or not.
— Mary C.
October 20, 2004
Medicare also pays for the DS. I hope you'll look into the DS before
committing to another surgery. http://duodenalswitch.com. I'm pretty sure
that Dr. Hess in Ohio, who developed the DS in the early 80's, takes
Medicare. I know my surgeon does, Dr. Keshishian and his partner Dr Zahriya
in California. I grew up just a few miles from Hampstead. Go Red Sox!!
— Chris T.
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