Does Medicare Cover Weight Loss Programs

Medicare covers weight loss programs. You don't have to choose if you don't want to. Medicare covers medical-related services that are necessary for a healthy lifestyle. These usually include inpatient care and outpatient care. Medicare Part A covers medical-related services received in a hospital setting, including doctor-prescribed medications, surgical procedures, and ambulatory patient transport. Medicare Part B covers physician prescribed services, including non-prescription medicines and durable medical equipment.

In addition, Medicare does not cover some services related to diet and exercise. These services are known as elective procedures. They are not necessary to sustain health, and therefore are not covered by Medicare. There are some exceptions to this policy, including hair replacement, plastic surgery, rhinoplasty, certain medical supplies, and certain behavioral health services. If a physician participates in Medicare Part A and Part B, and participates in any other managed care program, Medicare may pay for some of the service listed above.

So, does Medicare cover weight loss programs? Medicare does not cover any elective procedures or excessive cosmetic surgeries. However, certain medications may be deemed necessary by a licensed medical provider, and providers can also provide referrals for Medicare Part B covered providers of those medications.

Medicare does offer prescription assistance for certain weight loss programs. Part A medications that are used to treat obesity and to lower cholesterol require a prescription from a Medicare Part B provider. Some of these medications are approved to treat hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and hyperlipidemia, all serious medical conditions that can result in excessive weight.

There are a number of supplement companies that have been awarded government contracts to deliver medications and nutritional education to consumers in order to help them lose weight. These companies are also authorized by the government to promote community wellness programs and to manage Medicare benefits for seniors with chronic diseases. Many of these companies are marketing Medicare Supplement insurance policies intended to help individuals who need to lose weight or who are already enrolled in Medicare. These additional supplement insurance policies are not standardized, but most Medicare supplement plans will contain a range of different options for weight loss counseling. However, it is important to remember that regardless of how extensive your individualized weight loss program is, it may not be approved for inclusion in your Medicare Parts A and B program.

As noted, some medications are not allowed in the program. Additionally, it is extremely rare for Medicare to cover the costs of weight loss programs involving medications. Medications are considered medically necessary and invasive treatments such as bariatric surgery are not. Although some medications can be provided at a discount through some Medicare Part B providers, the vast majority of prescription drugs are not covered.

If you are thinking about enrolling in Medicare supplement insurance because of the extra benefit of losing weight, you may want to talk to your primary care physician first. Your primary care physician is the doctor that will typically write the check on your behalf if you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. The advantage of having your primary care doctor is that he or she will be familiar with your medical history and should be able to provide helpful information about whether or not you would be eligible for additional Medicare benefits. In addition, your primary care doctor has access to the medical records of your entire family, should you have any. He or she is also able to help you determine the feasibility of using Medicare weight loss services.

For additional details, your representative at the Medicare Customer Service Center should be able to provide you with the names of several reputable Medicare weight loss programs. Medicare supplement insurance companies do not offer these services. They are available instead through private, for-profit companies that are authorized by the federal government to sell Medicare supplement policies. Before enrolling in any Medicare weight loss program, it is important to discuss the various options with your primary care physician. A knowledgeable physician can help you determine whether there are other ways to reduce your medical bills or if enrollment in Medicare does not meet your particular needs.