Will Medicare Pay for a Tummy Tuck?
As some of you may know Medicare, Medicaid, many state programs and private insurance plans will cover weight loss surgery. As a matter of fact my own laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery was covered by Medicare and my supplement plan Secure Horizons. What about that loose and saggy skin that does not go away? Will Medicare pay for a tummy tuck?
The answer to that question is NO and Yes. In most circumstances they will not cover a tummy tuck for they consider it cosmetic surgery. In situations where the surgeon determines that a tummy tuck is medically necessary because of infections they may cover it. Your surgeon will diagnose the situation to determine if a tummy tuck is necessary and then present an honest evaluation to Medicare. A person that has lost a huge amount of weight and has heavy masses of hanging skin causing serious infections has the best chance of getting a tummy tuck approved. If the request is turned down the surgeon can appeal but there is still no guarantee that it will be covered.
Terry
