Question:
How do I know if my insurance company takes care of the plastic surgery after?

I know there are people who get tummy tucks and there arms done after surgery. I am waiting for the approval for surgery now.. Unsure if I should call my insurance company and ask or not.. Please Help!!!    — Favored (posted on January 7, 2008)

January 7, 2008
It could never hurt to ask. I believe there has to be some type of "problem" associated with the loose skin (ulcers, lesions, rashes) that cause a problem with day to day life. The majority of people I've spoken with haven't had it and really didn't need it. Exercise for the vast majority seems to take care of most of it. Of course, there are always exceptions, and those exceptions are looked at on a case by case, well... case. From what I've heard, insurance doesn't jump at the opportunity to cover anything they deem to be elective/cosmetic... but as I mentioned earlier, it never hurts to ask. Good Luck, Leslie
   — LuvNSummer

January 7, 2008
complain that your skin thats hanging its irritating you, givinng you a rash. you have to complain to your doctor. and then your insurance will pay for your plastic surgery
   — yvettetas

January 7, 2008
Calling your insurance is the most accurate way to find out if they will cover this sort of thing. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and I can also check my coverage benefits online - maybe you can with yours.
   — obeseforever

January 8, 2008
try to find the pre-authorization forms on the website for your insurance. I have not heard of them covering arms/legs but they will at times cover a panniculectomy (tummy tuck). I am 3 weeks out from my nip & tuck and insurance did pay for my belly.
   — tazthewiz23

January 9, 2008
like the others said the best way is to call them directly and ask, but i will tell you a big percentage of insurance companys will not pay unless you have other complications from the loose skin. i have a small hernia and when my surgeon did my bypass he did not fix the hernia because he said that it was very small and that if i wanted to have a tummy tuck later the insurance would probably pay because i could have the hernia repair and the tummy tuck at the same time. if it happens go to your doctor and have them document any rashes, irritation, etc that the loose skin may cause and then that will help with getting the plastic surgery covered. don't worry about that right now anyway, because you need to be focusing on your surgery and getting the eating thing down first. good luck with everything...Holly
   — RNlvnCARSON