List Of Insurance That Covers Gastric Weightloss Surgery
Where to get the list of insurance that covers gastric weightloss surgery? Over the last 20 years, obesity has become an epidemic in the US, Canada, and some other countries. Luckily, most large health insurance companies now see obesity as a disease and offer insurance coverage for weight loss surgery. As long as you meet the requirements of your insurance company and have enough coverage through your health plan, your insurance may pay for your weight loss surgery.
Does insurance pay for surgery to lose weight? Yes, weight loss surgery is covered by insurance, but there are some rules. Each insurance company has its own set of requirements that you must meet before your insurance will pay for bariatric surgery. Even within the same insurance company, there are different medical plans, so you should know how your bariatric surgery-covering health insurance works.
List Of Insurance That Covers Gastric Weightloss Surgery For Each Method
Gastric sleeve surgery, Roux-en-y gastric bypass, standard gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band (lap band), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch are all major weight loss surgeries that are covered by insurance. If the first bariatric surgery was covered, insurance may also cover the second one.
Non-covered: Weight loss surgery insurance does not cover bariatric procedures that are done only for cosmetic reasons. Medication, hormonal imbalances, mental health problems, or eating disorders that cause obesity may not be covered either. Procedures that are still being tested, like the mini gastric bypass, are not covered.
Patients often ask if their insurance will pay for weight loss surgery. Yes, but that doesn’t mean you can buy insurance just before your surgery to cover bariatric surgery. The insurance company will make you wait anywhere from two to four years after you buy your health plan before you can use it.
How To Get Approval That Covers Gastric Weightloss Surgery?
The best health insurance for weight loss surgery is the one that fits your needs and budget the best. The two main weight loss insurance plans are Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Most PPO plans and some HMO plans are accepted at leading hospitals and bariatric centers.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Tricare, Cigna, United Health Care, and Oscar are all big insurance companies that offer some of the best health insurance for weight loss surgery. Each insurance company will have different plans for insurance coverage. So think carefully about your options and pick the plan that fits your needs and budget the best.
PPO Vs. HMO
Both PPO and HMO plans have their own hospital and doctor networks to help you get the best care for your insurance-covered weight loss surgery. With an HMO plan, you will need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist. You have more freedom with the PPO plan, and you can go to any hospital or doctor you want.
You may not always get the best health insurance for weight loss surgery when you buy a policy. Remember to ask when you buy your policy, “Does insurance cover weight loss surgery?” Your insurance company may give you the option to add coverage for bariatric surgery for a slightly higher premium.
Can I Get Insurance That Will Pay For Bariatric Surgery?
Yes, bariatric surgery can cover by insurance. There are many insurance options for weight loss surgery today. Before you decide to buy, you should look at the most important features of bariatric surgery insurance you may be able to get.
Options for getting insurance to cover bariatric surgery:
- Health insurance for private people that covers bariatric surgery
- Your employer or the employer of your spouse may offer a group health plan.
- COBRA lets a former employer continue to pay for health insurance
- Plan for their health care (if you are up to 25 years old)
- Medicaid and Medicare are two US government health care plans.
- If your state has a state-run health insurance program,
- Tricare for people in the military or VHA plans for veterans.
Gastric Sleeve Insurance
Most people now agree that gastric sleeve surgery is one of the safest and most effective ways to lose weight. As a result, most of the top health insurance companies make it easy to get coverage for a gastric sleeve. A good weight loss insurance policy can cover a big chunk of the costs associated with your surgery.
To make it more likely that your insurance will pay for your VSG weight loss surgery, you should ask your bariatric surgeon for a letter stating that this procedure is a “medical necessity” for you. Also, it will help if you can show proof that you have already done a non-surgical weight loss program supervised by a doctor.
Gastric Bypass Insurance
Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most common types of weight loss surgery that most insurance plans cover. A study found that the most Medicare patients who got bariatric treatment used their insurance coverage for gastric bypass. You can also get insurance for your gastric bypass if you have individual health insurance that covers bariatric surgery.
You may be able to get insurance for both open and laparoscopic Roux-en-y gastric bypass if your BMI is at least 40 or between 35 and 40 and you have at least one obesity-related health problem, like Type 2 diabetes. Medicare and some private insurers may also ask you to show proof that you’ve tried and failed to lose weight without surgery.
Gastric Bypass Cost
If you get a gastric bypass, your weight loss surgery insurance may cover some of the costs of the diagnosis, surgery, and recovery afterward. Covered services may include surgery done in the operating room, a stay in the hospital, medical exams and lab tests before and after surgery, prescription drugs, and checkups with your bariatric surgeon and other doctors.
Revision bariatric surgery may have covered by insurance, but only if certain conditions have met. Your insurance company will check to see if the main procedure has paid for by insurance for weight loss surgery. If the first surgery has done for looks and hasn’t covered by insurance, you may not be able to get a revision procedure either. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want your insurance to cover revision bariatric surgery.
Would a Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Change My Life?
Bariatric weight loss surgery is a viable option for those who are severely obese and have not had success with other weight loss methods. For those interested in pursuing this type of procedure, research the types of surgeries available and consult a qualified medical professional to determine which type best suits their needs and health status.
Additionally, it is vital to find a surgeon specializing in bariatric weight loss surgery with an excellent track record of successful patient outcomes. You do not want to risk your life for weight loss. Understand all the risks associated with any surgery and weigh these against potential benefits to make an informed decision.
Post-surgical care should include dietary and lifestyle modifications such as increased physical activity and nutritional counseling to maximize long-term results. By following these steps, individuals can ensure that they receive safe, effective treatment for their obesity to help them reach their health goals.
In addition to considering all available treatment options and finding a reputable surgeon, those considering bariatric weight loss surgery should also be aware of potential risks associated with the procedure. If you have specific questions like “can I drink alcohol after bariatric surgery?” regarding the procedure, contact us today to book your free consult and see if you are eligible for a weight loss surgery.
