Question:
Does Medicare cover?

Does Medicare cover gastric bypass? If so, does anyone know a doctor in the East Texas are that does gastric bypass that accepts medicare?    — Julie S. (posted on May 13, 2005)

May 13, 2005
This question has been asked (alot) Medicare will cover the gastric bypass if it is medically necessary. The government has oficial stated that morbid obesity is a deasease, so call your medicare office and get a list of surgeons in your area that except medicare, be pro-active, they will give you a list of surgeons, you may have to call and find out which ones do the gastric bypass.
   — cindy

May 13, 2005
From what I understand Medicare is national, therefore it does not differ from state to state. So, Medicare does cover wls, as long as it is medically necissary. My surgery was approved after one appeal, before the BIG announcement of the government changing their mind on WLS. Basically, do you meet the standard requirements for wls? If you do, there is a good chance medicare will pay for it. They finally recognize that this is the only resolve to a big problem. If you need any help, let me know. I will do what I can to help you. Good luck.
   — septembergirl73

May 14, 2005
I had my surgery covered by medicare and medical picked up the rest of the cost. I was approved without any appeals. Good luck to you!
   — Jennifer B.