Question
I would like to find out if medicare and medicaid will cover lap-band surgery if it is deemed medically necessary. I'm thinking about this as an option to help me lose weight and to help improve my health. I am a diabetic and have high blood pressure and have been told by two of my doctors that I am a good candidate for this surgery. I am also disabled. I live in Mississippi and have MS medicaid.
Answer
Sherry,
if your doctor can deem this surgery medically necessary, Medicare and Medicaid may cover. You will have to do some work to make sure you don't get stuck with the bill.
What I would suggest is to get the paperwork (medical necessity) from your doctor and have that information reviewed by both Medicare and Medicaid and get their OK prior to surgery. This is still no guarantee of payment, but it gives you a certain reassurance.
Good luck.
