Question:
Anyone know of Medicare Supplement that covers WLS

Is there any supplement insurance that covers surgery? How hard is it to fight insurance that states no exclusions? I will die if I don't stop over eating due to severe obesity related illnesses. Please help.    — CohenHeart (posted on February 8, 2000)

February 8, 2000
I have Medicare and my supplemental is BC/BS Oklahoma it does cover Gastric Bypass Surgery, if medical necessity and only pays their portion after Medicare has approved and paid their part. All I had to have was letter from my PCP and referral to my surgeon.
   — Victoria B.

February 8, 2000
I had my surg. on April 7, 1999. My primary insurance was Medicare and my secondary insurance was Regency Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oregon. I had to wait 6 months after I signed up for BC/BS before I could have my surg. as it is considered "elective". With BC/BS as secondary they pay whatever Medicare deems medically necessary. Unless your doctor and/or hospital accepts whatever Medicare and BC/BS pays you may end up paying some out of your pocket. ie. $1,000 to $2,000 or up. You need to research to find out what they pay. Good luck to you.
   — Janice C.