Savvy Senior

Does Medicare Cover Weight-Loss Treatments?

Dear Savvy Senior,

Does Medicare cover any weight-loss treatments for overweight retirees? I just turned 65 and need to lose about 100 pounds and would like to know if Medicare can help.

Overweight Owen

Dear Owen,

Yes, traditional Medicare does indeed cover some weight-loss treatments like counseling and certain types of surgery for overweight beneficiaries, but unfortunately it doesn't cover weight-loss programs or medications. Here's what you should know.

Who's Eligible

For beneficiaries to receive available Medicare-covered weight-loss treatments...