Question:
I've been denied - What can I do

Okay - I have BC/BS of Alabama. They have denied my paniculectomy TWICE! I know that people are having this done. It's horrible. It itches and chaffs and smells and just generally gets in the way. It's well over a two inch overhang. They say it does not "extend below the pubis." Does it have to hang to my knees!?!?!?! I have difficulty buying clothes and working out is even uncomfortable now. What can I do? Has anyone out there beaten the system?    — Tiffany S. (posted on October 6, 2003)

October 6, 2003
Tiffany, I haven't even applied for PS yet but have BC/BS and my PS is getting anout 80% approval lately, WHAT IS THERE REASON FOR DENIAL? Just a thought, but, if you don't get enough answers, post on the message board and also you can self pay this and write the whole thing off as a tax deduction as a medical expense as long as the total price is more than 7.5% of your AGI, that is what I will do if its not covered!
   — heathercross

October 6, 2003
I also have not attempted plastic surgery yet (only abt. 4 months post-op down 50 pounds with about 50 to go), however, I wanted to clarify the prior post regarding the tax deduction. You can claim it as a medical expense, however, the amount you can deduct is only the amount that exceeds 7.5% of your AGI. Ex. You annual AGI is $25,000 and surgery cost $5,000. You can claim a deduction of $3,125 (7.5% of 25,000 is 1,875 and 5,000 - 1,875 = 3,125) and you can only claim what has actually been paid out, not what was billed. So if they billed you $5,000 and you only paid 2,000 in the calendar year you could only claim $125.00 (2000-1875). However, keep in mind that you can also include other medical bills, co-pays, deductibles, eye glasses, prescriptions and mileage in some cases. Good Luck
   — Carolyn M.

October 6, 2003
Look at the question "Here is how I got approved for reconstructive surgery" - Question # 115 below. This person tells exactly what is needed to get approved. P.S. This question # will be different the longer you wait t see this question on the Q & A board. Hope this helps, and you et to see it before this question gets stored in the library.
   — bufordslipstick