Obamacare and Skin Reduction

I've been referred for excess skin reduction in my thighs - which should be happening pretty soon.

My surgery has already been deemed medically necessary, but I'm wondering about what Obamacare is going to do to other WLS patients who have a huge amount of loose skin that is causing problems like infections.  I have a problem with cellulitis now, which I didn't have before.

Anybody have a take on this?

Most insurance will NOT pay for any reconstructive surgery-no matter what your health complications. They consider it cosmetic, even if you document rashes, backaches, psychological reasons, etc.  So for those of us in this situation, how can Obamacare be worse?  Also, for many of us, the sleeve (or other bariatric surgeries) aren't covered either. I had to change my job (and insurance) to get the sleeve covered, and I still had co-pays, had to do in network, etc. At least with Obamacare me and others can PAY to add our children, who are over 21 working Full-time that do NOT have ANY insurance, to our insurance plans. Otherwise our kids would have no insurance at all. 

Suzie-

My Duodenal Switch was covered by Medicare, since my SMO was a contributing factor to my disability.  The infections and interference with ambulation are issues caused by my excess thigh skin.  With my last infection, I had to do not just one, but TWO courses  of two different antibiotics to get rid of the infection (cellulitis) completely.  I never had cellulitis when I was SMO, even though it is a condition linked to MO and SMO. This type of infection can lead rather quickly to sepsis, which as you know, can take you out quickly!

This is the last piece of surgery I need to address before I can get back to school and pursue my re-tooling to become a dietician, specializing in pre and post op bariatric nutrition.

I had to pay for my RNY and plastic surgery myself since my insurance wouldn't cover it.  

My son had a liver transplant as a child and could never get insurance as my insurance plans through work changed because of a "pre-existing condition".  Under the PPACA he can get insurance.  PPACA has only helped my family.

Anastacia -

I had nearly a 70 BMI when I had my DS.  That might have been what moved it along, in terms of insurance coverage.  At the time I had my surgery the RNY and the DS were the only two bariatric surgeries covered by Medicare.

My BMI barely moved during the 6 months I was required to go to support group in preparation for the surgery.  A contributing factor was prednisone for treatment of SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) .   

Since losing the weight, other non-steroidal  medications now work to keep major lupus flares at bay.

For me, this was definitely a surgery to try to help save my life!  Smaller sizes are a nice side effect!

I am working getting my thighs covered too! I just keep going to the doctor every month, getting diff meds -none work- I think i need 6 months min to prove my point. Taking pictures when its bad, also need to write a letter to insurance and the doctor has to submit to insurance... thats all I know... any tips for me? I feel like I have my bases covered but who knows lol