Question:
What about Medicare?

My doctor told me that there is a "fifty fifty" chance that Medicare will pay for my surgery. He offers self pay so I would still be able to get the surgery w/ mo. pmts. I can't really afford to be making monthly pmts so I am really hoping that Medicare will pick up the bill for the surgery. Is there anyon out there that's had experience w/ Medicare and WLS? If so, how did it turn out? My doctor says that his office will appeal it if I am turned down..but that if they won't say yes the first time..they probably won't say yes during the appeal process. His secretary told me not to worry, that she believes that Medicare will most likely pay my bill. What am I to believe about all this? I know that Medicare is the only insurance that won't let you know til after the surgery is completed if they will pay or not. I do have Medicaid as a secondary insurance to Medicare. Please, any info that you may have about this would be much appreciated by me!    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 27, 2000)

May 27, 2000
Hi. I have medicaid as well as medical assistance. I got approved the first time that I applied for WLS. However, I did have sleep apnea which more than likly got me covered. The more health related problems you have because of your obesity, the more likly they will cover your surgery. Good luck!
   — MissAuntieK

May 27, 2000
I just had my surgery May 2, I have Medicare/Medical. My Dr says that they will pay. A young gentleman in my support group also has Medicare/Medical he had his surgery Last May and they paid 100%
   — NewMommaJo

January 2, 2001
I have been trying since march 2000 to have this surgery. I have just recently been sent a letter and called by the doctor of my choice that she has not been paid for the last 30 bariatric surgeries she has performed. As of now to have it done you have to sign that you will be responsible for the bill. Needless to say if your primary carrier does not cover the bill your secondary insurance will not even look at it!!!! GOOD LUCK !!!!
   — Donna H.