Question:
Pennsylvania welfare/access insurance cover gastric surgery?

I have PA state insurance, while I am in the middle of a disability claim. I was wondering If gastric bypass is covered for an adult by the state of PA.    — nitedreamer (posted on March 19, 2008)

March 19, 2008
I have to ask you is your disability claim from work? I dont mean to sound mean or anything but if your on state assistance do you relly think they should pay for it? I dont. There are so many kids and adults that need state assistance and dont get it as it is. to ask for all of the residents of PA to pay for your gastric bypass is kind of rude dont you think? Thats just my opinion but I bet a lot of people would agree. If your on disability why dont you wait until you go back to work and use your own insurance? I jsut dont think its right or moral.
   — Joanc

March 19, 2008
Simply call the number on the back of your insurnace card and ask if it covered under your plan. Only they can tell you if WLS its excluded or covered.
   — nsh4991

March 19, 2008
Well I should say call the number. In some cases they very well may pay for it. I have seen them pay for breast reductions (with enough doctor's input). If you have lots of other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and pain to name a few, the bypass may be cheaper for public assistance, rather than pay for years of medicine. It is worth a try. Oh by the way, I do not feel that it is rude to ask for help while in the middle of a disability claim. If you are involved in a disability claim from work they probably would not approve it. If you are involved because of generally poor health, the surgery could improve your health issues. Good Luck!
   — mary_rn

March 19, 2008
I agree with Mary. Call your insurance carrier directly to see what your coverage encompasses. As a Pennsylvania resident whose surgery was paid for by the insurance I have through my employer I have no problem with your state provided insurance covering your WLS. Who said that you're only supposed to use it for what the "taxpayers" deem necessary? Last time I looked, all of us "taxpayers" didn't have a medical degree. Besides, I thought that the purpose of state funded insurance was to help those who were having a hard time financially and who needed medical coverage. I didn't realize that because I pay taxes in Pennsylvania that I could make medical decisions (and judgements) for others. Sorry for the sarcasm but I do think that Joan's comment was rude and judgemental. Good luck to you and I hope you recover soon! Marion
   — dsmuffin

March 20, 2008
Good Luck to you! Don't let negative comments (because you'll hear them all from all over the place) stop you... You need it... You deserve it... My insurance paid for my surgery (govt employee) and I dont see necessarily what the difference is! Onward and Upward! Good luck to you!!!!! Laxi
   — 502Laxi

March 21, 2008
I agree with Marion! Everyone needs help at sometime or another. And you never know WLS might be the thing that changes your life and get you motivated, back on your feet and back to your life! Good Luck!
   — nsh4991