If you battle with your weight and your health is a concern for you, you may consider having a procedure called, gastric bypass surgery. This surgery can cost you about $18,000 to $35,000. If you don’t have that cash, you may want to know how your health insurance can help.
Health insurance companies do not usually pay for weight loss treatments for obese individuals unless their health is at risk. The reasoning behind this is that the health insurance company would save more money by helping you lose weight with gastric bypass surgery than paying for medical procedures and medication later on.
When you apply to have health insurance pay for your gastric bypass surgery, you will need to provide proof that your health is at risk if you don’t receive this surgery. This is usually done by asking your doctor for a letter documenting your medical history and current medical status. The health insurance may also want to know detailed information about your weight and past weight loss procedures. Besides the medical information, your health insurance company may also require a psychological assessment. For individuals who eat because of emotional issues, surgery won’t help them lose the weight and the health insurance company doesn’t want to waste money on something that isn’t the root of the weight problem.
If your health insurance approves you for coverage for the surgery, they will pay anywhere from 50 to 100 percent of the cost depending on your policy. If they do not pay the full cost, you will be responsible for the rest, so you may have to save up before getting it done.
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Fri, Jul 31, 2009
Health Insurance