Question:
Im on ssi does medicade cover a gastric bypass?

   — greeneyedhiefer (posted on December 30, 2009)

December 30, 2009
Hi Tina, I don't know about your state..but here in Fl. yes, Medicaid does cover the surgery. BUT, you have to use a surgeon on the list and here you have to do a YEAR of doctor followed weightloss attempts. I found the Bariatric surgeon and he was able to give me all the procdures to follow and the first time he sent my request in it was approved and I had my RNY done 7/1/08 and have lost 137lbs so far. Please feel free to contact me if I can answer anything more for you. Best of luck!
   — tootsie52

December 30, 2009
Hi Tina It is also covered in Texas. Are you on Medicare also or just Medicaid? For me my Medicare was primary and Medicaid was secondary and I didn't have to pay anything - RNY 12-08-09. Here you must use a surgeon who practices at a hospital that's certified a "Center of Excellence" for it to be approved. I had to do a 6 month physician suppervised diet but later they changed their guidelines to either that or a 3 month multi-disciplinary program with psych, nutrition physician suppervised diet and exercise mgt. Hope this answers your questions. Also see if you can look up your states Medicaid benefits. Usually if it's covered by Medicare it'll be covered by Medicaid. Good luck and contact me if you need more info or anything.
   — Chembe

December 30, 2009
I have relative that was approved in TN and she receives ssi and medicade
   — davonjack

December 31, 2009
I live in Ohio and was fully covered on Medicare and Medicaid. Look into finding a qualified Bariatric surgeon in your area, and they (the Physicians team) will let you know if you will be covered. With my doctor I went to a seminar as the first step, and they answered all of those questions right then and there. Hope this helps. Maureen
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 31, 2009
Hi Tina, medicaid was actually super easy and fast responses once you meet their requirements! And mine was paid for, approved in only about 2 days! Good luck!
   — eyeflirt4fun

December 31, 2009
Hello Tina! I live in Missouri and Medicare and Medicaid paid for my GB!
   — StlX

January 10, 2010
Medicare will cover it but you need to check with Medicaid as they are different. And in most cases there is some deductible that you will have to cover out of pocket.
   — hanksguns