Yes, although it varies from state to state. Many public and private insurance companies also offer coverage to include gastric bypass surgery.
Weight loss surgery is expensive and may or may not be covered by insurance. Gastric bypass ranges from $18,000 to $22,000 while gastric banding costs between $17,000 and $30,000.
form_title= Surgical Weight Loss form_header= Lose weight with a surgical procedure! Have you had a weight loss surgery before?*= () Yes () No () Not Sure Have you tried less invasive weight loss solutions?*= () Yes () No () Not Sure Will this procedure be covered by insurance?*= () Yes () No () Not Sure What is your optimal weight?*= _
Weight loss surgery is expensive, and is not covered by most health insurance plans. This means a size-able chunk out of your savings, or requiring you to get a loan. Costs vary by country/state. Consult a physician before considering any major surgery such as this.
For many who desperately need it, the cost of weight loss surgery is a road block to having the operation. Fortunately, there are many options to pay for this surgery. Many insurance companies will cover most, if not all, of the costs for the procedure, but they may have requirements that must be met before they will authorize surgery. If the procedure is not covered by your insurance, you can also pay for weight loss surgery with a credit card or small loan taken out through your local bank.
Whether or not insurance will pay for weight loss surgery depends on the provider and the State you live in. Most commonly insurance companies will pay around 80% of the surgery costs.
Many insurance plans will cover weight loss surgery if it is determined to be necessary. That is to say if you can convince them that without the surgery you may die or suffer serious consequences from obesity. However you'd have to check the actual wording of your policy. In effect you'd have to pay for a policy that covered obesity.
Cosmetic weight loss surgery isn't generally covered under medicare unless it is to correct a medical problem like chronic back pain. Talk to your doctor for advice as well as contacting Medicare.
If you have decided to learn more about weight loss surgery, you will need to locate a reputable and friendly weight loss clinic that can perform the procedure. Before you begin looking, contact your insurance company to find out if they have any surgeons or clinics they have worked with in the past. By sticking with a clinic that has a history will your insurance company, you have a better chance of having most or all of the costs of the surgery covered by your insurance policy. Then, research which of those companies has the best reviews, from friends, neighbors, or online forums.
I would first and foremost check with your insurance company on what is and is not covered regarding this surgery. That would be the easiest start to find out about more on pricing and out of pocket payments.
Yes, subject to prior approval.
Many health insurance companies offer incentives to clients who improve or keep a healthy lifestyle which includes weight loss programs. Some weight loss programs covered by most insurance companies are Jenny Craig, NutriSystem, WeightWatchers, and Optifast. http://www.ehow.com/about_5395006_weight-loss-programs-covered-insurance.html
Before you decide that any sort of weight loss surgery is right for you, there are several important issues to consider and plan for. Speaking with your doctor is first and foremost; he or she can give you the proper information you need on different types of weight loss through surgery. Weight loss surgery should only be recommended by a doctor. Knowing the differences between the procedures, as well as risks involved, is essential. Checking with your health insurance provider, Medicare or Medicaid to see if the operation will be covered is also very important.