Medicaid & Lapband Surgery

Lapband surgery involves the placement of a narrow band around the stomach to restrict the volume of food a patient can eat. Medicaid pays for lapband surgery for some patients with low incomes.

Medicaid Eligibility Criteria

• Not all people with low incomes qualify for Medicaid. In some states, only children, the elderly and the disabled can qualify. In other states, some other adults may qualify if they meet income guidelines.

State Specific Guidelines

• Medicaid eligibility criteria vary from state to state. The criteria for lapband surgery eligibility may also vary. Check with the agency that administers Medicaid in your state for details.

Lapband Surgery Eligibility Criteria

• Generally, lapband patients must have a Body Mass Index of 40 or above, unless they have weight-related health problems, in which case they must have a BMI of 35 or above. They must have a history of failed diet attempts.

Surgery Prerequisites

• In some states, patients must complete a six-month physician supervised diet before Medicaid will pay for lapband surgery. Medicaid may also require patients to undergo a psychological evaluation and have a consultation with a dietician.

Centers of Excellence

• The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery designates weight loss surgical centers that meet specific criteria as Centers of Excellence. In order for Medicaid to pay for lapband surgery, patients must have surgery at a Center of Excellence.