If you have Medicare, and you are either overweight or obese in greater Philadelphia area, you might be eligible for physician or other qualified healthcare provider supervised medical weight loss.

Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people over 65 years of age and people with disabilities, provides limited coverage for weight loss services and treatments. Generally, Medicare covers weight loss treatments as a secondary condition to an underlying medical condition, such as obesity or diabetes.

Here are some of the weight loss services that Medicare covers:

1. Behavioral counseling: Medicare covers behavioral counseling for obesity as a preventive service for people who have a BMI of 30 or higher. This counseling must be provided by a Medicare-approved provider and may be covered up to a certain number of visits per year.
2. Prescription weight loss drugs: Medicare covers prescription weight loss drugs under certain conditions, such as when the person has a related health condition, such as diabetes, and the drugs are used in conjunction with a low calorie diet and increased physical activity.
3. Bariatric surgery: Medicare covers bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or lap band surgery, for obesity when it is medically necessary and the person meets certain criteria, such as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or having a BMI of 35 or higher with a related health condition such as diabetes.

It’s important to note that Medicare coverage for weight loss services may vary depending on the individual’s specific plan and their medical needs. Medicare beneficiaries should check with their Medicare plan to determine what weight loss services are covered and to understand any limitations or restrictions that may apply.