Does medicaid cover body lift after weight loss surgery?

Question

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding if Medicaid covers the cost of a body lift after weight loss surgery. In my experience, Medicaid will not pay for a 360 circumferential body lower lift or tummy tuck. Even though I think most plastic surgeons and patients agree that you need this procedure, that does not mean the physicians that write the law for medicare will cover the procedure. Medicaid usually only covers extreme cases of a panniculectomy. Panniculectomies are excess skin and fat that covers the pubic region. It is not a tummy tuck. It only removes the overhanging skin. Either way, I would seek consultation with a plastic surgeon. Hopefully, the cash price is not as expensive as you think. I hope this helps to answer your question about whether Medicaid can pay for a 360 circumferential lower body lift.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

While different states have different medicaid criteria, generally body contouring surgery after massive weight loss is considered to be a non-covered benefit.  Occasionally a panniculectomy (removal of the lower belly skin) could be covered but generally not a body lift (neither is covered in California).  You could check with your state's medicaid office for more information on covered benefits.  Also, many plastic surgeons offer financing plans that can be helpful.  Best of luck and congratulations on your weight loss!

Jacques Haddad, MD · Answer

some deformity are actually covered by medicare.the patient need to prove that is causing him a health problem.this is the rule in canada

Michael Hueneke, MD (retired) · Answer

I have found that insurance companies uniformly deny coverage for cosmetic procedures. It is difficult to make a case that extra is more than a cosmetic problem.

Steven M. Gitt, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

The simple answer to your question is that nope, not cover body lift after weight loss. Insurance carriers in general will cover medically necessary procedures. The commonest covered procedure and weight loss patient is where skin is rubbing together due to excess overhanging skin causing alterations and breakdown. In that very limited indication, coverage cen be offered for panicle tony only.  Panniculectomy is wear an apron over eating skin is amputated and the resulting wounds sutured shut.

Does medicaid cover body lift after weight loss surgery?

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Answer: Does medicaid cover body lift after weight loss surgery?

Answer: Does medicaid cover body lift after weight loss surgery?

Answer: Does Medicad cover body lift after weight loss?

Answer: Does Medicad cover body lift after weight loss?

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Does medicaid cover body lift after weight loss surgery?

Answers (5)

Answer: Does medicaid cover body lift after weight loss surgery?

Answer: Does medicaid cover body lift after weight loss surgery?

Answer: Does Medicad cover body lift after weight loss?

Answer: Does Medicad cover body lift after weight loss?

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Everything you need to know about Body Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.