Medicare now covering the lap-band!

[rorysmom 0]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/21/AR2006022101664.html

"The impact will go beyond Medicare: Private insurers, which vary widely on whether they cover the surgery, often follow Medicare's lead. For example, when Medicare decided to cover organ transplants, insurers began to pay for them."

[nanahanna 1]

Yep, that is wonderful news. I am having my surgery in April or May and I will be covered by Medicare. I meet their criteria, under age 65, BMI over 35 with comorbidities.

[Maggie63 0]

this is great news. i am fighting my insurance company to pay for my surgery. i hired a lawyer for my final appeal, and they said that since medicare is now paying, others should follow.

she also thinks it will help win my case.

yippee

[rene2005 0]

Rorysmom, thanks soooooo much! I have been waiting for this. CNN had anounced about 11 months ago that medicare was going to review the lapband and have an answer in 5 months. Well medicare never gave the answer. Wonder why it took so long to get it covered?

[rorysmom 0]

you're welcome!

[CCBSTX 0]

There was some changes that Medicare was talking about regarding future coverage. I went to their website and addressed my opinions, per my surgeons suggestions.

If I remember correctly, Medicare wanted to exclude those who were over 65, due to risk. Not sure what the status is regarding this matter.

Glad that you are able to have it done!!! Shawn