Medicare and Gynecomastia

[Denman]

Just wondering if anyone knows the latest on successfully getting Medicare to pay for surgery. Has anyone done this? And what doctors are out there who honor original Medicare, I have part N. One clinic I spoke to said they don't do any insurance, so I guess that includes Medicare. 

[42CSurprise!]

I can't answer that particular question but discussions about availability of insurance to remove breasts because they appear on a man's chest have always been told this is not a "medical issue."  I guess that means that being a man with breasts is not considering a health problem.  It may be a problem psychologically for men accustomed to seeing other men with flat chests.  I guess the corollary would be women who have flat chests who go to a plastic surgeon for implants.  That isn't covered by insurance either.  Adding or removing breasts is a matter of personal choice not medical necessity.  I expect the same it true with Medicare... unless there is cancer that would be addressed through a mastectomy.  Good luck sorting it out.

[Justagirl💃]

I'm on a Medicare advantage plan, and surgery has been suggested to be several times. The Psychiatrist is under the impression that "fitting in" would be beneficial to my psychiatric  health. Completely paid for under my current plan. 

I have declined every time, as I love my breasts and can't images life without them. 

My advantage plan is the PACE program. But that entails relinquishing most of your medical rights to the program.  A system that I will be leaving upon moving to Oregon.