While Medicare doesn’t generally cover liposuction, the program will cover the procedure if it’s medically necessary to restore function after an illness or injury. There are many reasons a person may want liposuction, but cosmetic reasons won’t get you coverage with Medicare.
Keep reading to discover if Medicare will cover a portion of your liposuction procedure or if you’ll be responsible for all the costs. Plus, learn about liposuction alternatives Medicare might cover for you now!
Does Medicare cover liposuction?
Medicare won’t cover cosmetic liposuction because it’s usually not medically necessary. Instead, it’s considered elective surgery. However, if you have a doctor that can confirm liposuction is medically necessary to improve your body functioning, Medicare may cover a portion of the cost.
If you’re thinking of having liposuction, you should be prepared to pay for the surgery out of your pocket.
Can liposuction be medically necessary?
An example of when Medicare coverage for liposuction is medically necessary is if you have lipedema. For those suffering, have your doctor write to the insurance company about why liposuction is beneficial for your treatment.
Another reason liposuction may be beneficial is to repair the breast after breast cancer mastectomy. Or, transferring fat from one area to another in people with severe burns or injuries.
Liposuction must be treating an illness to be medically necessary; Medicare doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures.
Will Medicare cover a panniculectomy?
Yes, coverage is available from Medicare to cover a Panniculectomy, which removes the excess skin from your lower abdomen. The excess skin is usually from excessive weight gain and weight loss.
For any specialty service like this, prior authorization may be a prerequisite. For excess skin removal surgery, you’ll likely need to meet a few conditions.
Conditions for surgery include stable weight for six months, excess skin that impacts daily movement, a skin condition due to the excess skin, and your BMI must drop at least 5%.
If excess skin is causing issues in your daily life, have a conversation with your doctor about coverage and costs. In some cases, coverage will come in the form of reimbursement.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover liposuction?
Part C plans must cover at least as good as Medicare, but Medicare would probably be more likely to approve a Liposuction request. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan it’s suggested, you contact the plan for more information because each insurance policy is different.
If you’re thinking about signing up for Part C and you haven’t had liposuction yet, consider your Medigap eligibility.
Are there liposuction alternatives Medicare will cover?
Medicare may cover the cost of other weight-loss surgeries such as lap band surgery, gastric bypass surgery, or a sleeve gastrectomy procedure. To qualify for one of these weight loss surgeries, you’ll need to meet certain requirements.
While it’s quite the process to get Medicare to cover weight loss surgery, Medicare is more likely to cover the surgery than they are liposuction.
There are programs such as Medicare nutrition therapy services, silver sneakers fitness, and obesity screenings that may help you manage your weight.
FAQs
Does Medicare cover fat removal?
Medicare will not cover belly fat removal for cosmetic reasons. If it is medically necessary, however, Medicare can cover procedures for fat removal
Does Medicaid pay for liposuction?
Just like Medicare, Medicaid will not pay for liposuction because its use is for cosmetic purposes in most cases.
Can liposuction give you a flat stomach?
It can, but only in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. While the procedure removes fat cells from your body, the remaining fat cells can still grow and replace the vacated space in your abdomen.
How can Medigap help cover my liposuction coinsurance?
Medicare Supplement insurance fills the gaps in Medicare. This means instead of you being responsible for the deductible or coinsurance, the Medigap company can pay for those things. Depending on the policy you select, you may only be responsible for your monthly premium or a simple Part B deductible.
Give our knowledgeable and easy-to-talk-to licensed insurance agents a call today. They can answer your questions for free and assist you in going over the various plans available.
If it’s easier, you can simply fill out an online rate form to get connected with the best rates in the area.
