Medi-Cal is a government-sponsored health insurance program that provides low-income individuals and families in California with access to healthcare services. One of the questions that many people ask is whether Medi-Cal covers weight loss surgery. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive answer to this question and help you understand the criteria for Medi-Cal to cover weight loss surgery.
[1] states that Medi-Cal does cover weight loss surgery, but it depends on whether you meet the criteria outlined below. In order for Medi-Cal to cover the cost of your surgery and the associated surgeon visits, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be over the age of 13 for a female and 15 for a male.
- You must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with at least one obesity-related medical condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
- You must have attempted to lose weight through nonsurgical methods, such as diet and exercise, for at least six months without success.
If you meet these criteria, then Medi-Cal will cover the cost of weight loss surgery. The common procedures covered are gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and Lap-Band Surgery.
[2] provides a summary of the requirements to be approved for bariatric surgery through Medi-Cal. The article states that you must meet Medi-Cal weight loss surgery requirements to be approved for bariatric surgery.
It is important to note that Medi-Cal only covers the cost of surgery in certain California counties, as stated in [3]. Therefore, it is important to check with your local Medi-Cal office to determine if weight loss surgery is covered in your area.
If you are considering weight loss surgery, it is important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider. They can help you determine if you meet the criteria for Medi-Cal to cover weight loss surgery and can provide you with information about the risks and benefits of the procedure.
In conclusion, Medi-Cal does cover weight loss surgery, but you must meet specific criteria to be eligible for coverage. If you are considering weight loss surgery, it is important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider and to check with your local Medi-Cal office to determine if weight loss surgery is covered in your area.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope that it has provided you with the information you need about Medi-Cal and weight loss surgery.
