TRICARE Covers ‘Lap-Band’ Surgery

TRICARE announced it will cover certain surgical procedures for military beneficiaries with serious obesity problems. The procedures – laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding ("Lap-Band") surgery, gastric bypass, gastric stapling, and gastroplasty – will be covered retroactive to Feb. 1, 2007. TRICARE will cover the surgery for persons who are at least 100 pounds over the weight recommended for their height and bone structure, and if their weight is associated with medical conditions that relate to higher mortality rates. More information is available in the TRICARE Policy Manual, available online.