Inequities in Bariatric Surgery Access for Medicaid Patients: A Program-Specific Divide

This study delves into bariatric surgery access for Medicaid patients and reveals stark disparities among programs. Involving a comprehensive data registry spanning 14 years and 43 programs, it highlights that the proportion of Medicaid cases varies significantly between institutions. Programs with more Medicaid patients treated individuals with greater disease severity but also faced longer wait times and higher complication rates. These findings underscore the need for standardizing insurance and implementing program-centered incentives to ensure equitable access to bariatric surgery, especially for those with lower socioeconomic status.