Will my Medicaid and Medicare pay for this tummy tuck if I stay in South Carolina?

Classified as a cosmetic procedure, a TT will not be covered by Medicaid or Medicare. You might qualify for a panniculectomy, which removes excess skin and fatty tissues in the abdomen, although it doesn’t involve muscle tightening.

Thank you for sharing your question.  Medicare may be able to pay for a panniculectomy (removal of any apron of skin and fat from the abdomen) but neither will pay for an aesthetic operation such as a tummy tuck.  Hope this helps.

Dear leshannon mcbeth,Insurance will cover a panniculectomy, which is a very different procedure than a tummy tuck. It is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn about the differences between the two procedures. Many of my patients come in thinking the two surgeries are the same, and when they learn the difference they almost always choose a tummy tuck.Good luck,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Insurance coverage will hinge on medical necessity.Following massive weight loss, if a case can be made for medical necessity, skin removal may be covered. Excision of an abdominal pannus (hanging skin apron) is commonly covered.It is important for patients to understand the difference between a cosmetic abdominoplasty and a pannus excision. The latter will only address symptomatic hanging skin. Any additional contouring will not be covered.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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A tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance.  Sometimes a procedure called a panniculectomy is covered, which is essentially removing a fatty apron.  This is not the same as a tummy tuck however.  If you are interested in a tummy tuck, be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon near you.