Does Medicaid Cover Bunion Surgery?
- Each state has its provisions,
- The degree of coverage varies by State,
- The surgery must be medically necessary.(1)
If you know about this surgery, you don’t need any further explanation, but if not, there is no need to worry, as we will explain it to you. Let’s discuss what bunion surgery is and its purpose.
If you are looking for an answer to this question, you should not miss out on reading this post, as it contains the answer. A bunion is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around a joint. It is typically at the base of the big or little toe.
Does Medicaid Cover Bunion Surgery
What is Bunion Surgery done for?
Bunion Surgery is done to ease the pain and correct the deformity caused by a bunion. However, you should consult a specialist before having this surgery and proceed only if the specialist gives you a green signal.
Usually, a doctor will recommend bunion surgery only if they feel that the pain due to the bunion stops them from wearing shoes and doing their daily activities.
Bunion surgery aims to reduce or eliminate pain and improve foot function. Post-surgery, patients may need to wear surgical shoes for a period.
Doctors consider multiple factors, including pain and functional impairment, when recommending bunion surgery. While avoiding certain shoe types may be advised, surgical decisions are based on the overall impact on quality of life and foot health.
For your information, bunions occur more in women than men. Also, people who wear tight shoes are prone to bunions, so you should avoid wearing tight shoes.
Does Medicaid Cover Bunion Surgery?
If you are covered under Medicaid and suffer from a bunion, you may want to know whether Medicaid covers bunion surgery. The good news is that it does.
There is no need to worry for those who don’t know what Medicaid is. Medicaid is a government program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities, not exclusively for those who cannot afford health insurance.
However, you need to know that each US state has rules and regulations about what procedures are covered. Before deciding about this surgery, you should consider those rules and regulations.
Even you can be asked for treatment just before the bunion surgery, and you may have to pay for the same from your pocket. So, it is advised to discuss coverage specifics with your plan manager and go ahead only if you are okay with them.
Medical Requirements for Bunion Surgery under Medicaid
Like any other surgical procedure, bunion surgery under Medicaid is eligible only if it is medically necessary; otherwise, you must look for another option.
A doctor will determine the medical necessity and give you the nod if they feel bunion surgery is the only solution to your problem. Remember that only a prescription from a Medicaid-certified doctor is valid.
Medicaid-certified doctors must follow the program’s guidelines; they could face penalties if they do not.
Does Medicaid Cover Aftercare?
People planning bunion surgery are worried about how they will manage care after the surgery. One question that arises in their minds is, does Medicaid cover aftercare? There is no need to worry, as Medicaid covers aftercare.
Usually, bunion surgery will not take much time as you will be treated as an outpatient, so you are not required to stay overnight. However, the long recovery time depends on your health and the complications you may face.
During recovery, you may feel pain and swelling in your joints, and you may have limited mobility. So, prepare yourself to deal with these situations.
Medicaid covers aftercare, so you don’t have to worry about follow-up visits, and even if there are any medications prescribed, that too will be covered under Medicaid. However, you must arrange for someone to take you to the clinic for a follow-up.
Arrange for someone in advance so you don’t have difficulty with follow-up visits.
Conclusion:
Bunion surgery can be your go-to solution if you suffer from a bunion, feel so much pain, and have a deformity in your toes. In this post, you will find information about bunion surgery and what makes you eligible for this surgical procedure.
If you are covered under Medicaid, you will know whether bunion surgery is covered under Medicaid.
The eligibility requirements for Medicaid may vary from state to state, so you must look at your state’s eligibility requirements before moving ahead.
See Also
Does Medicare Cover Bunion Surgery
What Diabetic Supplies Covered by Medicaid
Does Medicaid Cover Liposuction
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