Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Insurance info for Gastric Sleeve



Recommended Posts

Hello,

Just when I thought I had all my ducks in a row before calling my surgeon and getting the process started for gastric sleeve surgery, I was gutted to find out that my insurance doesn't cover the surgery even if deemed medically necessary. All over my providers site it says they do cover weight loss surgeries. But of course when I call my health care provider directly, they say they don't cover any kinds of surgery.

I was devastated. I won't go into the long diatribes of my struggles because I'm sure everyone else here has either gone through the same thing that brought them to looking into the surgery if not similar things like constant yo-yo diets, losing weight and gaining it back, sleep and mobility issues, etc etc.

Nevertheless, I refuse to just give up hope just because my current insurance wont cover it. Have any of you had luck finding healthcare coverage that will cover it if deemed medically necessary? Or is self pay/financing truly the only way?

ANY and ALL help is so greatly appreciated,

M

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Might have to find better insurance?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just now, Superman84 said:

Might have to find better insurance?

Yes I would figure as much, that's why I was wondering maybe what kind of insurance other people have had success with so I could consider switching. Every insurance company I've looked into says they just don't cover it, regardless of being medically necessary. I'm in the very beginning stages of this whole thing, but I'm sure that is obvious lol.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If I were in your shoes, I would contact the surgeon that you plan to use and ask for their advice. They are experienced dealing with insurance companies n your area. They may be able to give you some options that are easy to work with.

good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, Losingit2018 said:

If I were in your shoes, I would contact the surgeon that you plan to use and ask for their advice. They are experienced dealing with insurance companies n your area. They may be able to give you some options that are easy to work with.

good luck!

Thank you so much. I've thought about that as well, I will call their office in the morning and see what they say. financing for me would be a big struggle, but not as much of a struggle the weight is so if it comes down to my only option, well, then that's my option lol.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This list may help you as well

https://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/insurance-that-covers-bariatric-surgery.html

nit sure if you would be open to going to Mexico for surgery but many, many people that don’t have coverage do just that. There are very competent drs there.

Edited by Losingit2018

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There is also a place in Vegas called blossom bariatric that is supposed to be good and much less expensive. If it comes down to self pay.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, Losingit2018 said:

There is also a place in Vegas called blossom bariatric that is supposed to be good and much less expensive. If it comes down to self pay.

Thank you again! I will look into these options as well

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There are plenty of insurances that will cover bariatric surgery. You will just need to research the insurances available to you and see which ones have the best coverage. That said... you will probably have to wait for a period of time before they will cover a pre-existing condition. Medicare and Medicaid cover it. I have Federal BCBS and many BCBS do cover it. But I suggest looking at the insurance section of this site... you might be able to find posts to give you an idea of who covers it. Look for insurances that seem to do better with preventative care, because they are more likely to understand that if you fix the obesity problem now, you are improving the obese patients overall health and fixing and/or preventing other health problems. Of course, this is a new concept for many insurance providers when it comes to bariatric surgery. Medicare/Medicaid/BCBS seem to get it, but I don't know who else does!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 1/11/2020 at 11:58 PM, momof3_angels said:

There are plenty of insurances that will cover bariatric surgery. You will just need to research the insurances available to you and see which ones have the best coverage. That said... you will probably have to wait for a period of time before they will cover a pre-existing condition. Medicare and Medicaid cover it. I have Federal BCBS and many BCBS do cover it. But I suggest looking at the insurance section of this site... you might be able to find posts to give you an idea of who covers it. Look for insurances that seem to do better with preventative care, because they are more likely to understand that if you fix the obesity problem now, you are improving the obese patients overall health and fixing and/or preventing other health problems. Of course, this is a new concept for many insurance providers when it comes to bariatric surgery. Medicare/Medicaid/BCBS seem to get it, but I don't know who else does!

Yeah I do have a BCBS insurance but it's a plan called MyFloridaBlue, which will not cover it. But I will reach out to them and see what info they could give to me on plans that may cover it. Thank you so much for the info!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • AmberFL

      2 of the Biggest NSV thus far in my life; 1) my 6yr old daughter can wrap her arms around me for the first time ever! 2) My 12yr old son is having a basketball game for the parents vs. their players and I am playing with him! Its been awhile since I played basketball so I have been practicing lol but I would never had even volunteered to do this 70lbs ago! 
      This surgery has changed my life for the better!
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        That's fantastic!

    • Newtransformation79

      It has hit me today, as I sit in my chair at work that I don't have my belly sticking out to where it would hit the desk. Oh and I can cross my legs more comfortably. It amazes me just how much I have loss in inches vs actual pounds, I have lost 24 lbs all together. But I believe in inches all over about 3 inches. I am noticing more energy and have pep to my step. My skin is a lot clearer. My watch band is shorter by 3 notches. the little things are what I am noticing. When I bend over I don't feel out of breath or I am going to fall over ( weeble wobble). 
      I am having a hard time with my sweet tooth, it is very hard to not want to get some ice cream or chocolate. Candy I can do without. I have no craving really for that, just chocolate and ice cream. I have gone as far as taking Popsicle and putting them in my mixer with almond milk and making like ice cream with that/ sometimes I have added un-flavored protein powder. 
      I feel better everyday. The energy is great to have with having younger kids and being able to have the energy to keep up. 😃
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Manisha Sharma

      Buy Dohar Set Online: Top Picks for Cozy Comfort & Style 
      Check out our top selections for cozy bedding, perfect for adding a touch of style to your bedroom while ensuring warmth and comfort. Find the best Dohar sets online for ultimate comfort and style.
       
      Visit - https://amoliconcepts.com/product-category/throws-quilts-dohars/
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      If anyone has any advice on how to make your stomach feel better after you eat something you shouldn't have or at too fast, I would GREATLY appreciate it!! It's painful on both sides of my abdomen (like to the point I'm doubled over and using a hot water bottle in addition to medicine) and I'm really nauseous (the thought or smell of food is 🤢).
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Mandirigma

      Just wondering if any of the Type 2 Diabetics also have there blood glucose go high when having only a Premier Protein drink for breakfast?  How does Premier Protein compare to BOOST Glucose Control in your experience?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×