MediCare and getting Sleeved

[follmerpa 35]

I am disabled and on medicare ,I did a search on Medicare and getting sleeved and the costs that go with the surgery, I found very little. I am hopeing that someone has had to use medicare on here for their surgery. And could share what the costs where and preop requirements. Thank you all so much.

[Jdub 109]

If you live in the US, I can't help you. But in Canada, medicare will cover all costs for the surgery but the wait times are insanely long which is why I've seen many Canadians go to the US, or to Mexico. I had a 1.5 year wait on a brand new program in my area before I got my sleeve this December.

My guess is that you are from the US, so hopefully someone can better answer your question!

[jsurles 3]

from what I understand they do cover all medical expenses, there is a six month wait, while you meet all your requirements.

[Ms. Keel 30]

I'm also on Medicare and the surgery was covered I had out of pocket expenses of 1184 which was the copayment for the hospital stay this is required for all people on Medicare. I didn't have to pay copayment up front Medicare took it out of the payment to the hospital. So I know I will get a bill for the 1184. But some doctors might request it b4 surgery.

[Ms. Keel 30]

I also started my process July 23 I was done with everything September 20 sent in paperwork that day got a call September 23 was approved schedule my surgery date which was October 28. Hopes all this helps and I'm located in Oklahoma.

[Ms. Keel 30]

Sorry forgot pre op requirements: support group only 1 u can go how many times u like physical therapy 1 time just making sure u can exercise after surgery I just walked up and down hall. Psyc evaluation only 1 make sure if u have any mental conditions it will not affect u getting better after surgery and u making the right decision mentally. And nutrition classes I had 3 got done pretty quick it was back to back once a week.

[kalee76 28]

Hi

I am had mine covered under Medicare/Medicaid. I had to complete a six month doctor assisted diet and other post op labs and two psych evaluations but I was worth it. I started the process in Dec 2013 was sleeved July 29 2013. Hw 377.5 sw 353.8 cw 279.9 6ft female

[kalee76 28]

Sorry I forgot in order for them to even consider to pay for it you have to have one of the following diabetes, sleep apnea or high blood pressure. Also a high bmi I think over 35

[follmerpa 35]

Thank you all for your replies The info was very helpful and leaves me hopeful for my surgery, I was worried I was not going to be able to have the surgery.

[SuperFab 689]

I'm also on Medicare and the surgery was covered I had out of pocket expenses of 1184 which was the copayment for the hospital stay this is required for all people on Medicare. I didn't have to pay copayment up front Medicare took it out of the payment to the hospital. So I know I will get a bill for the 1184. But some doctors might request it b4 surgery.

Exactly the same, but I also have Medicaid, which I was told would cover the $1184. My wait was not a 6 month wait. Just as long as I met the requirements, which included 3 nutrition appointments that were 30 days apart.

[SuperFab 689]

My surgery center spaced the nutrition appts 30 days apart. They set everything up for me as far as any needed appointments. I'm also Oklahoma.

[follmerpa 35]

Is each state different? I live in Minnesota. Is Medicare medicare no matter where you live? It would be nice to not have to wait six months for surgery, I hope somebody can answer these questions.

Thank you all

[Ms. Keel 30]

Medicare is Medicare in all states, only thing I can think of why the person had to wait 6 months, was maybe they didn't have documentation of any weight loss programs they tried before considering weight loss surgery. The doctor will ask have u tried anything else like taking supplements, diet pills, Jenny Craig, or weight watchers and etc. If you say yes you most likely will not have to wait. My doctor never asked to see anything he just put it in his notes. That's also an requirement Medicare wants. Hopes this helps.

[SuperFab 689]

Medicare is Medicare in all states, only thing I can think of why the person had to wait 6 months, was maybe they didn't have documentation of any weight loss programs they tried before considering weight loss surgery. The doctor will ask have u tried anything else like taking supplements, diet pills, Jenny Craig, or weight watchers and etc. If you say yes you most likely will not have to wait. My doctor never asked to see anything he just put it in his notes. That's also an requirement Medicare wants. Hopes this helps.

I was asked that as well. My surgery center spaces out nut appointments for every 30 days, but that was the center. Not Medicare.

[is it just me 80]

I'm also on disability....... Med wouldn't pay for me but they directed me to a govt funded problem that did pay... It took me 6 months.....