Does Welfare Cover Weight Loss Surgery?

Question by athornburg08: does welfare cover weight loss surgery?
I am not on welfare nor have any interest in weight loss surgery but a friend of mine who is very anti-government swears his ex wife got weight loss surgery (a sleeve put in… whatever that means) and it was paid for by welfare. I don’t believe that’s possible so he told me to check my sources (though he has none of his own for his stance on the topic… go figure). Now… my common sense tells me that that’s just not so… But maybe I’m wrong. Does welfare insurance or however you refer to medical benefits that are given to people on welfare cover things like cosmetic and weight loss surgery? She’s not morbidly obese or has had a history or obesity nor is she immobile or handicapped in any way or form or have any health issues.

Best answer:

Answer by Leslie
No it does not, the welfare system is designed so that people get the bare minimum in money and health coverage, it does not cover luxuries such as cosmetic surgery, it covers basic needs only.

Answer by M’aiq The liar
“Welfare” is not health insurance, it’s a program that’s designed for the needy so they can pay for their basic needs. But the government doesn’t pay your bills, they just GIVE you money to do whatever you want with it as long as you meet certain criterion.

You’re thinking of medicaid, which is subsidized health insurance designed for those who are in poverty. They would only authorize that surgery if she needed it to live.