Disability - No Ins.

I am curious if anyone can tell me if their Medicare has ever paid for a surgery? I was denied by my ins co MedBen through hospital where I worked. Have not worked now nearly 2 years, I believe I can get Medicare as of Feb. 2005. I am 380 lbs, have Hi B/P, sleep apnea, diabetic, arthritis both knees,fibromyalgia, depression and the list goes on. I would appreciate any info.

Sandy, Medicare does indeed pay for surgery if your BMI is > 35 and you have at least one comorbidity which weight loss would be an integral part of the treatment regimen. You don't even have to go through an extensive approval process like you do for private insurance and medicaid, it's just there in black and white. If you meet the criteria, you can have surgery. Good luck, Dr. C The Deaconess Surgical Weight Loss Center Cincinnati, Ohio (513) 559-2545

i had my surgery done with dr curry and i have medicare.it was in july of this year and yes medicare pays all but 876.00 but i was lucky i have a secondary that picked it up so. so as of right now everything was paid