Does Medicare cover weight-loss programs or bariatric surgery if I’m classified as obese?

Question

David Silver · Accepted Answer

Medicare may cover certain weight-loss services if you’re classified as obese (BMI of 30 or higher), but coverage is limited. Medicare does not cover commercial weight-loss programs or meal plans. However, it does cover obesity screening and behavioral counseling through your primary care provider, and may cover bariatric surgery (like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) if you meet specific medical criteria, such as having other health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Prior authorization and documentation are typically required.

Answered by David Silver on May 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, NJ & NV

Answered by David Silver Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

Yes, Original Medicare covers  weight-loss counseling and specific surgeries for people who have a body mass index of 30 and above and meet other criteria. 
Furthermore, Medicare covers some types of bariatric and metabolic surgery for people who meet certain conditions associated with morbid obesity, a body mass index of 35 or above, and other conditions.

Source: www.aarp.org.

Voss Speros · Answer

Medicare covers most things that are medically necessary.  Medicare has a list of things specifically it wont cover.  

On this topic, if your BMI is over a certain amount and your doctor prescribes that you get the surgery preformed to save you life "Medically Necessary" then yes Medicare would cover it.

Robert Vaughan, R.Ph., MBA · Answer

If you have a body-mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30, Medicare covers obesity screenings and behavioral counseling to help you lose weight by focusing on diet and exercise.

Medicare covers some bariatric surgical procedures when you meet certain conditions related to morbid obesity. 

Conditions that must be met to qualify:

The beneficiary has a body-mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 35.
The beneficiary has at least one co-morbidity related to obesity such as cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The beneficiary has been previously unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity.

Wade Lashley · Answer

Obesity behavioral therapy
If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, Medicare covers obesity
screenings and behavioral counseling to help you lose weight by focusing on
diet and exercise. Medicare covers this counseling if your primary care doctor
or other primary care provider gives the counseling in a primary care setting
(like a doctor’s office), where they can coordinate your personalized plan with
your other care.

From Medicare.gov: Medicare covers some bariatric surgical procedures, like gastric bypass surgery and laparoscopic banding surgery when you meet certain conditions related to morbid obesity. I'd consult your PCP for more info.

Michelle Simonds · Answer

Medicare may cover weight loss counseling and in some cases, bariatric surgery, if it's medically necessary and done at a Medicare approved facility. Coverage depends on your health conditions and meeting certain criteria. I can help you check if you qualify.

Answered by Michelle Simonds on May 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, FL & NY

Answered by Michelle Simonds Medicare Insurance Agent

Susan Kainrath · Answer

Medicare can cover weight loss programs and surgery in certain cases. Usually you will need to have a certain BMI (Body Mass Index) and be under the care of a specialist. Once criteria is met, the specialists office will submit paperwork to your plan for approval.

Answered by Susan Kainrath on May 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL & IN

Answered by Susan Kainrath Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

Generally, no, but it does cover certain weight loss services such as obesity screening and behavioral counseling, and in some cases, bariatric surgery. 

If you have a BMI of 30 or above, Medicare will cover obesity screenings and behavioral counseling. 

For bariatric surgery, you need to meet specific criteria, including a BMI of 35 or higher and an obesity-related condition, and have previously attempted other weight loss methods.

Ron Cronwell · Answer

Being obese in itself does not qualify as medical necessity for Medicare to cover surgery. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer free or greatly reduced exercise memberships where there are employees to help with weight loss planning exercise and meal programs. Original Medicare does not offer weight loss programming.

Work with your doctor on weight loss regimens.

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, Medicare can cover bariatric surgery for those with severe obesity, but it generally does not cover weight-loss programs or medications for obesity alone. Bariatric surgery may be covered if your BMI is 35 or higher and you have a co-morbid condition related to obesity, and if you've previously tried and failed medical treatment for obesity.

Answered by Fred Manas on May 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Yes, Medicare may cover certain weight-loss treatments if you are classified as obese, but coverage for specific programs and surgeries depends on meeting certain criteria.

Gary Henderson · Answer

Yes, original Medicare may cover bariatric surgery for weight loss, but only if it's deemed medically necessary and you meet specific eligibility criteria. Original Medicare, consisting of Parts A and B, covers hospital expenses (Part A) and medically necessary services and supplies (Part B) related to the surgery.

Original Medicare typically does not cover the cost of most weight loss programs,

Mike Henry · Answer

As long as it’s Dr recommended and Medicare approved. You have to go through the steps to get anything done with Medicare

Sam Silva · Answer

Yes, Medicare may cover certain obesity-related treatments:

* Bariatric surgery is covered if you meet medical criteria (BMI ≥35 with related conditions like diabetes) and the surgery is done at a Medicare-approved facility.

Michael Kim · Answer

If that surgery is requested by your doctor then, yes. Everything has to go through your PCP, and has to be approved by your Medical Group.

Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli · Answer

Generally, Original Medicare doesn't cover weight-loss programs or medications solely for obesity. However, it may cover preventive weight-loss counseling and nutrition therapy if you meet certain conditions. Medicare does cover some bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass and laparoscopic banding, if you meet specific criteria including a BMI of 35 or higher, have an obesity-related health condition, and have tried other weight-loss treatments without success.

Answered by Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli on June 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL & TX

Answered by Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli Medicare Insurance Agent

Alexander Lehn · Answer

If someone is classified as obese, Medicare may approve a weight loss surgery when the BMI is above 35 and if there is another compounding health issue like diabetes or high blood pressure. Medicare does not pay for general weight loss programs or weight-loss medication.

Answered by Alexander Lehn on May 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in NV, CA, FL & TX

Answered by Alexander Lehn Medicare Insurance Agent

Does Medicare cover weight-loss programs or bariatric surgery if I’m classified as obese?

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Does Medicare cover weight-loss programs or bariatric surgery if I’m classified as obese?

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