Will Medicare cover a tummy tuck since it causes me back pain and affects my ability to walk?

Sorry but Medicare will not pay for a tummy tuck, despite any perceived health benefits. I am sorry but wish you luck. Thanks for the question.

Thanks for your question. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is not covered by insurance since it is a cosmetic procedure. 
However, a procedure called a panniculectomy may be covered. This is a procedure that removes overhanging, excess skin and fat of the abdomen, but does not include a tightening of the muscles that is typically done in a tummy tuck. This procedure is usually indicated for medical reasons that may include rashes, infections, and inability to exercise due to the overhanging skin and fat. I have done numerous panniculectomies on patients who were on the kidney transplant waiting list, to decrease their chances of getting complications after a kidney transplant (an example of a medical reason for getting a panniculectomy). 
You may consider contacting your insurance company as well as a board certified or board eligible plastic surgeon to discuss indications for the procedure and whether or not you would be a candidate. 
Best wishes, 
Rohit Jaiswal, MD   Plastic Surgeon 
Las Vegas, NV and Lake Havasu City, AZ

Hello and thank you for your question! Typically Medicare will assist with the removal of excess skin(panniculectomy) if you meet certain criteria such as 100 pounds or more in weight loss and a bariatric  surgery status. Your best bet is to contact member benefits and speak with. them. They would be able to assist you further. Good luck!

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic operation involving liposuction, muscle tightening, and other maneuvers which are designed specifically to make things look better.  Occasionally a insurance company will cover a removal of hanging skin and fat, but it needs to be severe.  But, this is not the same as a tummy tuck.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Medicare rarely covers plastic surgery procedures, even if they are for medical reasons. 
Also, it is important to distinguish between a tummy tuck and a panniculectomy. A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure where skin and fat are removed and the abdominal wall is tightened. The belly button is always preserved.
A panniculectomy is a medically necessary procedure for patients who have a large area of skin and fat that is causing them pain and rashes. The abdominal wall is not tightened, although sometimes hernias can be repaired at the same time. Oftentimes, the umbilicus is sacrificed as part of the excision.
In my experience, Medicare does not cover panniculectomies much less tummy tucks. Many private insurers, however, will cover panniculectomies.