Question:
do Medicare/Medicaid cover surgery?

I'm 57 and disabled due to a spinal implant, which is not being helped by carrying around a lot of extra weight. Has anyone had Medicare or Medicaid cover their surgery? It would certainly represent a financial savings to them in the future~    — Elizabeth V. (posted on October 19, 2004)

October 19, 2004
I have medicare and medicade and I am doiabled because of my weight, diabet, and depression and they are covering it for me if your primary doctor things it would be benifical to you he can write a letter to medicare and medicade on your behalf stating that you should also write one telling how you think the operation will benifit you. Good Luck
   — Shirleyfl2005

October 19, 2004
Medicare just had an article that they are approving the gastric bypass on morbid obesity alone, no co-morbidites. The governmental has declared MO an decease, so yes, Medicare does cover gastric bypass. Go to the Medicare website and you will be able to read about this
   — cindy

October 19, 2004
I'm on Medicare and Medicaid as well. According to the New Start program, if your surgeon says yes, it's yes. I heard that Medicare is very easy to work with. Hope this helps! Connie
   — christianwife

October 19, 2004
I have been disabled because of a back injury for 16 years and had my bypass 4 1/2 years ago. Medicare paid the majority of my bill. After they paid, I went to DSS and applied for Medicaid for the dates of my surgery and they paid the balance. Good luck!!
   — Nonie M.

October 20, 2004
I live in VA and medicaid does pay for WLS. I have what is called VA Primier medicaid. I guess it depend on what state that you live in. I know in VA you have to be at least a 100lbs over your ideal weight. Check with your medicaid office they should be able to tell you if WLS covered or not.
   — Mary C.

October 20, 2004
Medicare also pays for the DS. I hope you'll look into the DS before committing to another surgery. http://duodenalswitch.com. I'm pretty sure that Dr. Hess in Ohio, who developed the DS in the early 80's, takes Medicare. I know my surgeon does, Dr. Keshishian and his partner Dr Zahriya in California. I grew up just a few miles from Hampstead. Go Red Sox!!
   — Chris T.