Breast Reduction: Getting Health Insurance To Cover It
In the world of plastic surgery, only a few procedures will be covered by health insurance. Breast reduction is one of those procedures, but only under certain circumstances. Of course, health insurance companies in this day and age will do just about anything they can to avoid having to shell out the costs to cover a procedure. When that procedure is linked to cosmetic enhancement, the claws really come out. But, as a patient, you still have a good chance at having your reduction procedure covered, at least in part. Here are some things you can do to get your money.
First of all, you must be wanting the breast reduction for a medical reason. Under no circumstances will a health insurance company cover a procedure that is being done for cosmetic reasons alone. So simply saying you don't like the way your breasts look will not be a sufficient reason for your insurance company to cover the operation. Merely telling them that you have problems with the weight of your chest won't be enough, either. In order to get the wheels rolling, you'll need to get a doctor to support your need for the surgery.
As with anything, every insurance company will have their own criteria that must be met in order for the breast reduction surgery to qualify for coverage. Some of the more common criteria include mandating that a certain weight be removed from each breast. A half pound is one of the more typical cut off points, but this may not be uniform from company to company. Additionally, the company may require that the doctor present testimony that you have done everything you can to reduce your symptoms in a nonsurgical fashion. This may include doing particular exercises, wearing a back brace, or avoiding certain types of activities. Photos will be necessary, and many insurance companies will require that you be at or near your ideal weight for your height, as weight loss could easily lead to reduced chest volume.
If you don't think your will qualify for breast reduction coverage, all hope is not lost. Many doctors provide exceptional financing terms, which lets patients pay for their procedures over time. If you don't have the money right now, this can act as a way for you to get the procedure now while paying for it in the months to come. Look for financing with low or no interest rates for a certain length of time and do everything you can to pay off the procedure in that time frame.
First of all, you must be wanting the breast reduction for a medical reason. Under no circumstances will a health insurance company cover a procedure that is being done for cosmetic reasons alone. So simply saying you don't like the way your breasts look will not be a sufficient reason for your insurance company to cover the operation. Merely telling them that you have problems with the weight of your chest won't be enough, either. In order to get the wheels rolling, you'll need to get a doctor to support your need for the surgery.
As with anything, every insurance company will have their own criteria that must be met in order for the breast reduction surgery to qualify for coverage. Some of the more common criteria include mandating that a certain weight be removed from each breast. A half pound is one of the more typical cut off points, but this may not be uniform from company to company. Additionally, the company may require that the doctor present testimony that you have done everything you can to reduce your symptoms in a nonsurgical fashion. This may include doing particular exercises, wearing a back brace, or avoiding certain types of activities. Photos will be necessary, and many insurance companies will require that you be at or near your ideal weight for your height, as weight loss could easily lead to reduced chest volume.
If you don't think your will qualify for breast reduction coverage, all hope is not lost. Many doctors provide exceptional financing terms, which lets patients pay for their procedures over time. If you don't have the money right now, this can act as a way for you to get the procedure now while paying for it in the months to come. Look for financing with low or no interest rates for a certain length of time and do everything you can to pay off the procedure in that time frame.