Hi Frank..... Medicare covered all but about $1200 of my Oct. 24, 1994 pallidotomy. HOWEVER, if you're on a Medicare supplemental program such as an HMO, chances are THEY won't cover this type of surgery (tho a few are now doing so). I was forced to quit my then Medicare supplemental program (the "Nightmare health plan from HELL! "FHP" <------ WORLD'S WORST!!), which MUST be done before the end of the month so you'll be dropped from their membership list on the last day of the month. THEN I had the palldotomy. And THEN I rejoined a Medicare supplemental program again (definitely NOT the same one as before the surgery tho!). When ya are forced to do that, the thing is you'll still be covered by Medicare itself, but that's an 80/20 payment plan and drugs are NOT included as they are in a Medicare supplemental program. SOOO.. if ya have the pallidotomy, and because you're feeling great now, ya go out for a walk (or dancing or maybe play a round of golf or tennis), then you've gotta cough up a few bucks for treatment. Barb Mallut [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Parkinson's Information Exchange On Behalf Of Frank Reilly Sent: Monday, June 16, 1997 10:41 AM To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN Subject: Medicare Funding of Pallidotomies Does anyone know if Medicare covers any of the costs of a pallidotomy? If not, is there any organized effort to lobby Congress or the administration to require it? Thanks... Frank Reilly [log in to unmask] Son of Gene, 70/16