Question:
Anyone had insurance pay for it?

According to my insurance co. (Prudential), they will pay for it IF it's medically necessary. According to my doctors office insurance companies NEVER pay.... has anyone had any experience with this??    — Karen B. (posted on October 29, 1998)

February 5, 1999
Quite a few people have had their tummy tucks, breast lifts, etc., paid for by their insurance companies. Breast lifts are a bit harder to have insurance companies pay for, but if your doctor tells them you need it done because you're disfigured, they'll often pay for it. Same thing for tummy tucks, although medical necessity can be claimed in some cases because of constant rashes.
   — Tina H.

February 25, 1999
My PCP tells me that if there is an apron (which he says there definitely will be) and it is a result of the RNY (which it definitely will be), it will have to be covered by the insurer as a direct result of a previous procedure they paid for and therefore should be covered. In an ideal world, I guess, that would be so. I have also heard that most insurers balk at this one... I am hoping when the time comes I will be living in a more "perfect world."
   — Peter W.

March 11, 1999
throughout my interviewing of patients that have had the vbg, i did come across one lady that was 240lbs beginning and after surgery was 145lbs. she got a tummy tuck as well and i saw a before and after picture of her and she looks like tony the tiger would say greeeeeaaaaattttt! her insurance paid for everything, including the tummy tuck. she says she didn't even have to pay for a bandaid.
   — cindy N.

March 31, 1999
My panniculectomy was covered by my insurance. The total bill was $25,000. I was in the hospital 7 days. It was a circumferential tummy tuck which means he went all the way around my body taking off the apron and about a 6" wide strip of skin off my lower-back. I still have 70lbs to lose and will have to have it touched up when I get to goal weight. I will have it done at the same time I have a breast reduction/lift so I won't incur any extra expense for it since the breasts will be covered by the insurance also. At the time I had the tummy tuck I was also scheduled for a thigh lift but since the tt took 6 hrs he was unable to do the legs. He will do them along with the breasts and tummy hopefully this fall when I reach goal. He did get the thighs covered by the insurance too.
   — kaffyjo

April 28, 1999
I have heard that you can chronicle yeast infections and that is a reason to have the tummy tuck. I haven't had the procedure yet but have talked with people who have and that is what they told me.
   — Barbara S.

May 2, 1999
i have polycystic ovarian syndrome....it is a fight with the insurance co. but i hear if it is worded right they will pay. also any scar tissue builup is reason for the surgery, acne, rash in the fold of the skin by the pubic line can help if mentioned to your dr. this is sometimes reasons to get it covered.
   — charlayne C.