Question:
Need help getting BCBS of FL to pay for abdominoplasty, can anyone help?

I had gastric bypass in 2000, and have had two children since. I have maintained my weight loss, but also the excess skin. Is there anyway to get the insurance to pay for an abdominoplasty?    — stacey_w (posted on January 12, 2008)

January 12, 2008
Not unless it is medically necessary. Why don't you try calling your insurance company and ask them. Everyone's insurance is different
   — Diane C.

January 12, 2008
You have to show medical necessity, go to a doctor that specializes in tummy tucks and he can make you medically necessary I am sure, having the loose skin causes all kinds of problems. Donna B
   — donnabug57

January 12, 2008
Your general practice doctor or dermatologist will have to validate reasons, such as rashes, or fungus that is caused by the skin draping over other sections. You can go to a plastic surgeon, but that comes out of your pocket. If your GP can validate reasons, and your insurance company agrees to remove the skin, you can sometimes get this amount reduced from the cost of plastic surgery. Plastic surgery always looks better than just cutting off the excess skin.
   — Dave Chambers

January 12, 2008
I had RNY in 2003. Pray for a good income tax return! That is how I paid for my tummy tuck in August. You will be amazed at how good it feels to get rid of that extra skin! My mother in law some how got BC of CA to pay for her tummy tuck because her dr said she had rashes, back problems etc. from the extra skin.
   — Carlyn M.

January 12, 2008
I had BC BS and my policy stated that they only paid for cosmetic procedures if related to congenital deformities OR a result of surgery. I called them and said that I needed the tummy tuck as a result of a surgery that (oh by the way) they had paid for and my tummy tuck was approved within 30 days of having my pictures submitted to the company. I had no rashes or real problems from the skin either. Sometimes you just have to know what questions to ask and what answers to give your insurance company. Luckily I used to work in the insurance field. Read the fine print in your policy and see what loop holes you might find there.
   — CAMFR

January 13, 2008
My insurance said NOPE to any skin removal, so I had to get a loan to do it. Thankfully I just paid it off. Also I wish I had waited. I had 2 babies in 1 year(I got pregnant 5 months after my plastic surgery, then pregnant again when that baby was 3 months old), and now my skin is not as good as it was after the plastic surgey:(
   — GAYLE CARMACK-LYONS