Medicaid will cover lap band surgery for patients who are eligible.
Medicaid exists to assist people who cannot financially support their own healthcare needs, including lap band surgery. The surgery is expensive, but Medicaid can cover some or all of the cost for those who are eligible.
About Medicaid
Provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicaid is a program that assists eligible individuals and families with medical costs. CMS is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Requests such as coverage for lap band surgery are considered individually by state representatives. If the request is approved, payment is sent directly to the health care provider. Some eligible patients will be given a co-pay, while the amount may be paid fully for others.
Medicaid Eligibility
Medicaid is not available to everyone. First, income and resources are considered. Resources counted are usually bank accounts, real estate and anything of value that can be sold. Each state has its own special rules for counting resources, and income is measured against the Federal Poverty Guidelines released each year. Age, disabilities, pregnancy, terminal illness and citizenship are also considered. Children maintain their own status and do not depend on their parent or legal guardian's status.
Lap Band Surgery Eligibility
Medicaid will cover lap band surgery for qualified patients as long as it is preformed by pre-approved physicians in pre-approved facilities. However, patients must also qualify for the lap band surgery itself. To qualify, patients must have a body mass index higher than 35, have at least one pre-existing condition that relates to obesity and must have attempted weight loss with other medical treatments.
Tags: band surgery, band surgery, cover band, cover band surgery, Eligibility Medicaid