insurance help for medical weight loss diet

Hi,    I am in the very beginning of weight loss surgery stages.  My insurance, cigna requires me to follow a medically supervised weight loss program for 6 months prior to surgery.  My doctor has one on site, or their are other places.  I was wondering does cigna cover for the protein packs and other foods and initial costs of a weight loss diet?, like optifast, medifast, ct weight and wellness? Thanks Crystal [email protected]

Hi Crystal,

I doubt very highly that Cigna will pay for any food/drinks that you purchase for weight loss.  I suppose it is possible - depending on what your employer has chosen for Cigna to cover, but it's unlikely.  They may cover the cost of the facility and doctors that are overseeing your weight loss program, but as far as the food that's involved, I doubt it.  I am not familiar with Optifast and Medifast, but I would suggest that you give Cigna a call and ask exactly what they will pay for before getting into this program.  If they cover it all, great! If not, then maybe they'll pay for your nutritionist visits.  

Good luck!

Michelle 

Your best bet is to call Cigna and ask what your employer has purchased for coverage regarding weight loss.  They very well might have bought in to the riders.  It doesn't hurt to ask.

Good Luck!