Indiana § 5-10-8-7.7 - Surgical treatment for morbid obesity
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 5-10-8-7.7 — Surgical treatment for morbid obesity, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-10-8-7.7. Surgical treatment for morbid obesity
Sec. 7.7. (a) As used in this section, "covered individual" means an individual who is covered under a health care plan.
(b) As used in this section, "health care plan" means:
(1) a self-insurance program established under section 7(b) of this chapter to provide group health coverage; or
(2) a contract entered into under section 7(c) of this chapter to provide health services through a prepaid health care delivery plan.
(c) As used in this section, "health care provider" means a:
(1) physician licensed under IC 25-22.5; or
(2) hospital licensed under IC 16-21;
that provides health care services for surgical treatment of morbid obesity.
(d) As used in this section, "morbid obesity" means:
(1) a body mass index of at least thirty-five (35) kilograms per meter squared, with comorbidity or coexisting medical conditions such as hypertension, cardiopulmonary conditions, sleep apnea, or diabetes; or
(2) a body mass index of at least forty (40) kilograms per meter squared without comorbidity.
For purposes of this subsection, body mass index is equal to weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.
(e) Except as provided in subsection (f), the state shall provide coverage for nonexperimental, surgical treatment by a health care provider of morbid obesity:
(1) that has persisted for at least five (5) years; and
(2) for which nonsurgical treatment that is supervised by a physician has been unsuccessful for at least six (6) consecutive months.
(f) The state may not provide coverage for surgical treatment of morbid obesity for a covered individual who is less than twenty-one (21) years of age unless two (2) physicians licensed under IC 25-22.5 determine that the surgery is necessary to:
(1) save the life of the covered individual; or
(2) restore the covered individual's ability to maintain a major life activity (as defined in IC 4-23-29-6);
and each physician documents in the covered individual's medical record the reason for the physician's determination.
As added by P.L.78-2000, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.196-2005, SEC.1; P.L.102-2006, SEC.1.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 5-10-8-7.7
What does Indiana Code § 5-10-8-7.7 cover?
Section 5-10-8-7.7 ("Surgical treatment for morbid obesity") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 5-10-8-7.7?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 5-10-8-7.7" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 5-10-8-7.7 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.