Question:
What do ya'll think about Medicare support weight loss?

I saw on the news tonight that Meicare will pay for patients to have surgery, and or support meetings. They said that private insurance companies will probably follow suite.    — greg17 (posted on July 16, 2004)

July 17, 2004
I guess I don't actually understand what's changed---Medicare paid for my surgery last year.
   — MsBatt

July 17, 2004
If your question is asking "do I think medicare should pay, while some of us have to pay out of pocket or fight with our insurance companies" my answer would be "YES" why should people who are less fortunate (temporarily usually) be deprived of better health to assist them getting back on their feet. Some of these people need to opportunity to lift their self-esteem so they can re-enter "life" or even appeciate it for the first time.
   — Anna M.

July 17, 2004
It is not that Medicare will pay for surgery, it's more that Medicare is recognizing that obesity is a disease, and a disease that needs to be treated! I would venture to say that many insurance plans are based on "Medicare guidelines", which means down the road - and it could be wwwwwaaaaaayyyyyy down the road - private insurance companies may see obesity as a disease, also.
   — koogy

July 18, 2004
Some people have to realize not all people on medicare is on it because they are low income. There are those who have it cause they are on disability due to an incurable illness or dibilitating disease. An illness they will die with. Medicare paid for my surgery as well, but not because I am on it for any small reason. I worked hard for the money I get every month. Med icare realizing obesity is an illness should have recognized this a long time ago. Those who are on medicare and have medicaid as well are on it cause they have children who are in need of it with no insurance. In the state I live in they will have what is called AllKids insurance. Paid for by BlueCross and BlueShield based on income in the family. I pay each month $58.50 for my medicare and that goes up each year. Medicare has always paid for this surgery if it is deemed medically necessary by your doctors.
   — mspisces