The state of Georgia has cut funding for weight loss surgery beginning in 2012 after facing a projected deficit of $815 million for the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years, according to a CNN report.
The state estimates that 1,577 workers had the surgery in the 2.5 years it was covered by the state's self-funded healthcare system. The surgeries cost the system $30.8 million — a little less than $20,000 per person. State officials said they might bring back coverage in the future. Missouri, which cut funding for the surgery in 2011, is bringing it back for 2012 after weighing the short-term versus long-term benefits.
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The state estimates that 1,577 workers had the surgery in the 2.5 years it was covered by the state's self-funded healthcare system. The surgeries cost the system $30.8 million — a little less than $20,000 per person. State officials said they might bring back coverage in the future. Missouri, which cut funding for the surgery in 2011, is bringing it back for 2012 after weighing the short-term versus long-term benefits.
Related Articles on Weight Loss Surgery:
Patients Gain Weight to Qualify for Weight Loss Surgery
Weight Loss Surgery Benefits Entire Family
Study: Gastric Bypass Patients Eat Healthier Than Gastric Banding Patients