Does Missouri Medicaid Cover Weight Loss Surgery?

by Penny Alba

Introduction

To be eligible for bariatric surgery, you must meet the following conditions: Have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more, or have a BMI between 30 and 35 and an obesity-related condition, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea.

Why would they deny you bariatric surgery?

But why might a patient not qualify for bariatric surgery? BMI – First and most obvious, they may simply not have a high enough BMI. A BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related conditions or a BMI of 40 or greater regardless of obesity-related conditions is required to undergo surgery.

How much does a gastric sleeve cost in Missouri?

Select one of the procedures below to view detailed cost data and vendor comparisons.
Procedure Price Range
Gastric Banding Surgery Average Cost $4,700 – $12,900
Gastric Bypass Average Cost 14 $100 – $38,800
Duodenal switch Average cost of single anastomosis (SADI) $15,700 – $43,000
Average cost of gastric sleeve $10,200 – $27,900
1 additional row

How does Medicare qualify for bariatric surgery?

Qualify for bariatric surgery

If you wish to undergo gastric sleeve, gastric banding, or gastric bypass surgery, Medicare item numbers require that your BMI (body mass index) be greater than 30. Similarly, for a gastric balloon, you must have a BMI greater than 27. 7 days ago

Does health insurance pay for bariatric surgery?

Medicare covers certain bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass surgery and laparoscopic surgery, when you meet certain morbidly obese conditions. For surgeries or procedures, it is difficult to predict your costs in advance.

How long does it take United Healthcare to approve bariatric surgery?

So how long does surgical insurance approval last? Most patients can get pre-approved for bariatric surgery in 90 days/12 weeks (with consecutive office visits) if there are no medical requirements of the weight loss program, but there is no there is no guarantee.

What is the cheapest bariatric surgery?

The costs of bariatric procedures in the United States are prohibitive for many patients. The average price for the LAP-BAND® (usually the least expensive bariatric procedure) is $15,000. This surgery can cost up to $30,000, depending on where you live.

Can you afford weight loss surgery on a monthly basis?

With Chrysalis, you can spread the payments over 36, 48, or 60 months, and you can borrow the entire cost of the surgery minus the down payment (usually 10% of the total amount).

How much weight should you lose before the gastric sleeve?

Some patients need to lose 10% of their weight before undergoing bariatric surgery. For other patients, losing just 15 to 20 pounds right before surgery is enough to reduce the risk of complications. It is important to follow your surgeon’s preoperative nutritional and dietary guidelines.

Who is not a candidate for bariatric surgery?

If you are over 65, although exceptions can be made. If you have a BMI less than 35. If you drink excessive amounts of alcohol or use illegal drugs. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions that create a high-risk situation for surgery.

Conclusion

Medicare only covers abdominoplasty if it is considered medically necessary. Medicare does not cover elective cosmetic tummy tucks. Patients can obtain Medicare coverage if deemed medically necessary by their treating physician. You must have a valid medical reference and meet strict criteria.

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