Gastric bypass surgery coverage from Medicare
I have written in the past about the nightmares that one has to go through for plastic surgery procedures that are medically necessary but are still not covered by health insurance companies. I discussed specifically how some breast reduction procedures are essetial for normal lifestyle for these women. While I do not expect insurers to make life easy for Americans any time soon, in a major reversal of policy, Medicare has announced that it will cover obesity surgery for qualified candidates.
Medicare will now cover bariatric surgery for disabled patients (below 65). Studies show that while gastric bypass surgery has very high risk overall, it is particularly risky for those over 65. Having said that, doctors believe that it is also the only alternative for hundreds of thousands of people who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise.
Qualifications for Medicare coverage
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Ability to demonstrate that you have at least one obesity-related health condition and everything else has failed.
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Procedure has to be done at a Medicare approved clinic rather than one of those Beverly Hills spa like facilities.
Recommended article: Paying for cosmetic surgery when your insurance company does not cover it
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