plastics and medicare

Has anyone had plastic surgery paid for by medicare.  I am 18 months out and am at goal and now am wanting to have some plastic surgery done.  I have Medicare and am wondering if they pay for any plastic surgery?  Hazel

Hi, Hazel. My surgeon talked about this just the other day. He said that Medicare pays for breast reduction easily, the requirements are minimal if you have hanging skin. He said getting them to cover other things is a huge pain.

Medicare will not pre-approve anything, so the surgeon takes a risk of getting paid. Most surgeons make ya sign a document stating you will pay if Medicare does not. I was very discouraged by the information, but at least I can get the girls hiked up.

The best thing you can do for any insurance is to have your doctor(s) document rashes, pains, etc. caused by excess skin. At least then you'll have a fighting chance at getting things covered.

Jeanie, sagging terribly from head to toe

Thanks for the information.  I want to have a lower body lift.  Or at least a tummy tuck.  I don't know why there is such a big deal about paying for it.  But who understands the government or insurance companies. HAZEL

I had a question about how you are eligible for Medicare, are you over 62 or a disability from being obese? The reason I ask is to think about if you contributed to your disability by becoming obese, then your insurance pays for the surgery, then you would like them to pay for elective surgery too.  Maybe that is not the case, but many many people have this view. We NEEDED the surgery to keep from dying younger or having more medical problems, we do NOT NEED plastic surgery. If you want to save money and get it, I think that is an awesome thing to do for yourself and would be money well spent. But to consider having insurance pay for something so frivilous when so many can't get sufficient care for serious issues is really selfish for any of us.  Get a good body shaper and be grateful for the blessing you have now.

You are making a lot of assumptions.  Maybe she is on disability because she was in a bad accident and devastated her back.  Maybe she needs plastic surgery because her pannus hangs so low it pulls on her back and causes severe pain.  We can sit here all day and make up scenarios.  Medicare for people on disabilities is not charity paid for by tax payers.  It is paid for with the money a worker put in through out their employment.  So many people resent those that are on disability.  I wonder if you are one of those people.  You should get the facts before you decide that someone can get along with a body shaper.  Loris

As you can see from her pics, this isnt the case, she makes it clear it is the icing on the cake, which is great if we can manage to do it, but purely not necessary. She didn't reply, which means I probably hit the nail on the head. Not everyone on Medicare is SSDI (which is for those who worked) many get SSI which is for those who haven't.  I have been in healthcare for over 20 yrs which gives me the unique ability to see the whole picture. I am FOR insurance for anyone (medicare, medicaid, private insurance) paying for surgery because it is an investment in healthcare dollars. Her attititude about "not seeing the big deal about insurance paying" for elective/cosmetic surgery speaks volumes about her values and why she wants the procedure. I have PLENTY of experience working and advocating for people on disability, but I can certainly figure out what is necessary and what is superfluous. This was a no-brainer. If it can be afforded by your own financing, I am totally for it, otherwise, get a decent girdle.

In general, most insurance companies (including medicare) do not pay for plastics of any sort as they are seen as elective procedures.  Sometimes (not always) you can get a tummy tuck covered if your pannus/apron is really hanging (usually beneath your private parts)... and you've documented rashes/infections from it.  But even with that, it is not always covered. A lot of people end up going to Brazil for plastics... surgeons are extremely experienced, and costs are less.  If you post on the plastic surgery forum, you may be able to get more info.