Medicare does not cover weight loss programs as part of its coverage for seniors. Under most cases, Medicare considers weight loss plans to be elective lifestyle activities and/or elective health care services that are not deemed to be medically necessary by any element of Original Medicare. This includes but is not limited to, the provision of exercise equipment, and counseling on weight management. Medicare does cover the cost of certain weight loss medications.
There are two basic ways in which a person who is a Medicare beneficiary can lose weight. First, they can attempt to reduce their total caloric intake by eating less and exercising more. Second, some people choose to participate in approved weight loss program provided by some private companies or organizations. Depending on their specific needs, some people may qualify for one of these programs.
As a part of the regular medical screening that is done to determine eligibility for Medicare, measurements of height, blood pressure, cholesterol, and pulse are usually required. These measurements will also be taken in order to determine if a person meets the requirements for eligibility for one of the available Medicare weight loss program benefits. In most cases, Medicare does not cover the costs of losing excessive weight. Even so, there are a number of Medicare weight loss program benefits that are available for individuals who do qualify for coverage. To determine what benefits you would likely receive, you should contact your personal Medicare representative.
There are a number of different types of Medicare weight loss program benefits available. The two most common are the Medigap Policy and the Medicare Advantage Plan. Neither of these plans will cover all of the expenses associated with a surgical procedure. Additionally, both of these plans are intended as temporary solutions. Once you lose enough excess weight, you can speak with your physician about enrolling in one of the Medicare Supplement Plans to cover the remainder of the cost of your surgery.
The Medigap Policy will pay for the cost of hospitalization and surgical procedures that you undergo as a result of being overweight. You will be required to undergo an intensive weight loss counseling course before enrolling in the policy. Once enrolled in the program, you will be covered for all of your hospitalization expenses. This does not include the cost of dieting at a rehabilitation facility.
The Medicare Part B side of the table is where you will find much of the information on Medicare coverage for weight loss. Part B of Medicare does include a number of different weight loss programs. However, since it is based on your medical history, it is typically only good for a limited period of time. After enrolling in the program, you may have to wait until the coverage commences again in order to use it again. If you do lose enough pounds, you could qualify for partial benefits for medications and nutritional counseling that you need.
As of now, there are no plans currently in the works that would provide coverage for surgeries and the like. This is one of the biggest roadblocks to those that are interested in achieving long term success with their weight loss efforts. Some doctors believe that medigap Medicare cover is meant to keep people from going into debt by paying for expensive surgeries that might not even work. Many individuals are hesitant to make a commitment to such drastic changes.
Even so, the decision on whether or not to get medicare coverage for the rest of your life should not be made lightly. The health of yourself and your loved ones depend upon it. Weight loss is not easy but it can be done. With a little guidance, you can learn how to get the assistance you need.
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