Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Surgery?

Weight loss surgery can be a difficult undertaking, both financially and emotionally. Bariatric surgery can be financially difficult for many people without health insurance. This is a shame because weight loss surgery is often a medical necessity.

Some people consider weight loss surgery their last hope. It is the only way to get rid of health problems. Dr. Robert Snow, a bariatric surgeon at Snow Bariatric Center, Fort Worth, and Flower Mound in Texas, has experienced the joy that comes from being free of those constraints. He wants weight loss as easy as possible.

It's important to understand the financial implications of insurance companies in order to navigate the initial stages of weight loss surgery.

Is weight loss surgery covered by insurance?

Although different insurance companies and policies may cover different procedures, the majority of insurance companies will cover at least some of the major bariatric operations: gastric bypass and gastric sleeves. Gastric Band

How to get your weight loss surgery covered by insurance

Asking your insurance provider if you have coverage for weight loss surgery will be the best way to find out. If certain criteria are met, your insurance may cover bariatric surgery. Many times, the criteria required for bariatric surgery by insurance companies are the same ones that were required for the procedure.

Your insurance may request a referral from your primary doctor and other documentation that shows your health history. Insurance will ask you if you have ever tried to lose weight, whether it was through diet, exercise or prescription medication.

To be eligible for weight loss surgery coverage by your insurance, Duke Health states that you will need to meet the following requirements:

• You must be over 18
• A BMI greater than 40, or a BMI greater than 35 with a comorbidity like diabetes or hypertension

• Diagnostics of morbid obesity
• To determine if you are emotionally ready to have weight loss surgery, pass a psychological assessment
• Before the procedure, don't smoke and quit completely.
• Willingness to follow a weight loss program prescribed by your insurance company prior or following surgery
• A long history of weight loss has been documented

You may be eligible for coverage even if your policy does not cover weight loss surgery.

Dr. Dr. Snow knows that the whole process can be overwhelming and confusing. Our expert staff and Snow are available to answer any questions about weight loss surgery, insurance, or any other aspect of your journey to weight loss.

To discuss the financial aspects of weight loss surgery, Dr. Call one our Texas locations or request an online appointment to snow today.