Question:
If bought insurance now is it possible to get the skin taken off of my stomach?

If medicare doesn't pay and if I can't get anyone do to my tummy tuck with medicare, is it ever possible to buy insurance now to help pay for this, or would this be pre existing? Of course I have the rashes and all these things, which I feel it would be medically related. I understand no one would do it if it was just cosmetic?    — tatterpuddin (posted on October 14, 2005)

October 14, 2005
Lots of people who have never had WLS or even a significant weight problem have tummy tucks, its one of the most popular procedures done today. In my case it is purely cosmetic, I have no rashes or back pain, etc and I still want a tummy tuck done as part of a lower body lift. As for buying insurance to cover it, I would imagine you can find a policy that covers it, but it may be expensive, and you may be right about them saying its pre-existing, especially if you have been to your doctor to document your rashes for medical necessity. So you may have to pay for the policy for at least a year before you could have a consultation with a plastic surgeon. Good Luck.
   — Ali M

October 14, 2005
Unfortunately this would probably be considered pre-existing. The best way to find out is to shop around for insurance and ask. Also, a lot of insurances simply put a time limit on pre-existing conditions . . . you may have to carry their insurance for up to 6 months and then they will cover any pre-existing conditions. Good luck.
   — kccjer

October 24, 2005
Hi. You would need to check whatever policy you were going to get beforehand. Some have exclusions, and you would have no ability to contest that. If you have medical problems due to excess skin, then you have a better chance of coverage. My website has a PATIENT RESOURCES section that has a sheet to help understand INS coverage you can download. www.drlomonaco.com
   — DrL