Tummy tuck Coverage in Manitoba?

Hi,
Does anybody know if there is an advocate or somebody who can tell me if after you have had the surgery and weight loss, if there is an avenue to get the skin folds paid for by the government? I have quite a bit of weight loss.

From my understanding you have to have lost 100lbs and have kept it off for 1 year. You must also must have rashes/infections between the folds. The rashes/infection is what makes it medically necessary. A relative of mine gets cysts in her upper thigh area so Manitoba health will pay for the plastics. There has to be some "medically necessary" reason for getting it done. I'm sure there are many things that could be deemed necessary.

I hope that helps.

Thanks Michelle for the followup. I have lost the nearly 100lbs., but i do not fit the criteria for the plastics. That sucks!

 I would imagine that rashes/infections/boils in the skin folds would qualify you as well. Make an appointment with a plastic surgeon, they know what is and is not covered and have experience with wording the requests to get the job done.
It makes sense to me that if they can find a way to qualify you for the surgery, then they will. I mean, isn't that how they get paid?
I'm not implying that they are crooks, trying to rip off the system, but look at it this way. Manitoba Health sets criteria for what is medically necessary. They don't wanna be paying for breast implants or butt implants to make me look like J Lo. The surgeon, who sees the person directly is a better judge of what is cosmetic and what is medical.

Thanks CanadianCricket!

I just had a consult at Maples Surgical Clinic for my arms.  While there I asked if they knew what I could expect regarding the panniculectomy coverage.  The surgeon said she would write a letter on my behalf to Manitoba Medical to inquire about coverage.  She felt confident it would be covered even though I told her I had heard that you must have rashes, etc and up to this date I had not experienced this.  I will keep you all posted as to the results of this. 

I am scheduled to have a "Brachioplasty" (removal of my bat wings) on March 21st.  This is not covered by insurance at all but is really important to me as it is so visible.  I will be left with a scar, but I can live with that.  The price tag is $4,400 plus gst. 

Was hoping to have the panniculectomy done around Christmas.  I reached my goal at New Year's (6 months after surgery) and hope to maintain my weight for a year prior to this surgery.  To have a complete lower body lift, I was quoted $11,500 plus gst less whatever is covered for the panniculectomy (estimate $2000-$4,000). Doubt I will be able to afford the full lift, but thought I would share the information for anyone who was wondering.

Hi lynn, did your surgeon get a response from mb health with regards to panni coverage? Wondering if you did have it done around christmas as you had planned. Did all go well with the brachioplasty? Im hoping to have a tt soon. I have a consult w dr ziesman at maples this wed. Hoping to at least to get partial coverage. Any ingo you could share is greatly appreciated. Thank you

i have been approved for the panni.like i posted before i went to see dr vergis *****ferred me to dr.islur and he submitted the paperwork.several months later i was approved for the panni.i am opting for the full tummy tuck.i am paying the difference.i hope this helps.

newfie

How much was the difference to get the upper tummy done.  As pannilectomy will be covered  :)