Does insurance cover weight-loss surgery?
Most insurance policies do cover surgery for weight loss. Most require a letter of medical necessity which states that it is not for cosmetic purposes. The surgeon’s office can provide a detailed letter to the company which will usually result in satisfactory pre-certification. Some insurance companies may not accept this and may refuse coverage. It is up to you to contact the insurance carrier and be stern in your appeal. The Office Liaison of the Trinity Bariatric Institute can help you with the insurance process.
Many private health plans cover weight-loss surgery completely or partially. Medicare and, in some states, Medicaid provide coverage. To determine if your health plan covers weight-loss procedures, check your policy package, call your insurance representative, or talk to your employer’s benefits manager.
