When choosing health insurance for your medical needs, read all the qualifications and coverage options provided by that policy. It is often possible to obtain a policy that will cover bariatric surgery. There are a couple of factors to keep in mind.
Finding Your Own Policy
If you are purchasing health insurance on the insurance marketplace, then you have the ability to choose a policy based on the types of coverage it offers and exclude those that offer features you do not need. It is important to keep in mind that not all insurance companies cover these procedures, and many have very specific and sometimes significant rules before they can cover them.
Know What the Rules Are
If your employer provides your health insurance or you get it through Medicaid or Medicare, you may be able to obtain coverage for bariatric surgery if you can show it is medically necessary. That is often done through:
- Having a high BMI
- Have documented proof of your weight loss program over a period of time
- Struggle with complications to your health, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hypertension.
Most health insurance companies do not automatically approve weight loss surgery. You will need to go through a dieting phase and various counseling sessions before you receive your approval.
How to Buy Health Insurance for Bariatric Surgery
As you take into consideration the wide range of health insurance policies available to you today, know that many of these health insurance policies will place very specific rules on when and what is covered. When you are hopping for new insurance or considering a plan’s specific details, it is always necessary to consider:
- Whether your bariatric surgery is covered
- What the out-of-pocket and deductible costs will be
- What type of aftercare support the insurance company will cover
By comparing the details of the plans available to you, you can select one that will meet your needs. Before you make the purchase, though, contact the professionals from the insurance company directly and inquire about any restrictions or limitations on the policy.
If you already have health insurance, it is not simplistic to find a policy that will just cover bariatric surgery. While you may be able to obtain a supplemental policy to help cover some of your costs, you may find that insurance companies place short- or long-term limitations.
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