Tricare Now Covers Lap-band Surgery
Monday January 28, 2008
According to an article in the Air Force Times, seriously overweight Tricare patients have a new surgical option available to them: Tricare (the military medical care system) now pays for what is commonly known as “lap-band” surgery, in which surgeons place a hollow band around the stomach at its upper end, limiting the amount of food that can be eaten.
Although the Tricare policy change was announced just recently, the coverage is retroactive to Feb. 1, 2007. Patients who received the surgery since then can submit a claim for reimbursement.
Comments
THIS IS TRUE!!!! I myself discovered the beauty of this revealation. I am due to have Lap Band onTuesday Feb 5th. And was informed last week of the new status. I was so happy because I was getting to get Gastric Bypass because it was the only thing Tricare would cover. YEAH for tricare!!!
I too an getting ready for the surgery, are you in the military,, and could this be something that would bar you from the military if you have it done?
Thanks,,,
How much overweight do you have to be for Tricare to do this?