Question:
Has anyone had Medicare Pay for Lapband Procedure?

Has anyone had Medicare approve and accually pay for the Lapband surgery. My doctor wants to do this surgery, but says it is a crap shoot whether or not medicare will pay for it. Even though he does think it is medically necessary. I am looking for someone thats has had medicare pay.    — ajsweet309 (posted on April 30, 2005)

April 30, 2005
I'm not sure about the Lap-Band, but I know they cover gastric bypass surgery. Have you tried searching the Medicare website. That's how I found out that they cover the gastric bypass surgery on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website. Also, you may try Medicare.gov website for additional information. I don't know if that helps , but I hope you find what you're looking for. Good Luck.. Mattie
   — mrscarr76

April 30, 2005
I've been trying to get medicare to payfor RnY for a year or so now, and the best I can do is to pay for the surgery out of [pocket first then file medicare after the surg and hope they will re-imburse....it's been hard to save 21,000 on disability but i'm half way there. Also another suggestion is to go to medicaid, if you have medicare for 2 yrs you may qualify for medicaid to pay the entire cost, the only reason that I could,nt is because I made too much money with both SS Disability and !00% Service-connected Disablility. Damon Clark
   — Damon C.

May 1, 2005
I had my surgery on July 23, 2004 whith Dr. Appel in Decatur GA. Medicare and Medicaid I used. It was paid for.
   — Kathryn F.

May 1, 2005
Medicare paid for my RNY surgery, I had AARP too, so I had no out of pocket expenses.
   — Jo Marie M.

May 1, 2005
HI NO SORRY TO SAY THAT IT DOSN'T BECAUSE THEY SAY IT'S STILL IN A EXPERMINT. NO INSURANCE WILL COVER THIS.
   — msgold

May 1, 2005
the lap band was approved bt the fda several years ago,It is not experimental. It might not be the best surgery for everybody, so check out all of your options.
   — **willow**

May 1, 2005
I didn't have lap band, I had open gastric bypass. I don't know why medicare won't pay, they paid ALL my expenses with the exception of my co-pay, which was minimal. Karyn
   — Zimpo