Question:
Anyone have vitamin coverage by insurance?

Hi! I want to switch insurance policies because my vitamin supplementation is not covered at all by insurance, even though it is 'medically necessary'. I was wondering if anyone else had their supplements covered (I am post-op BPD/DS and take ADEK as well as Chromagen Forte Iron). I cannot even request any partial reimbursement, etc. for these meds since the group policy excludes coverage outright. Thanks for any information or experience you may have on this topic! All the best, lap bpd/ds with gallbladder removal, January 25, 2001, preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45 now: 184 lbs/bmi 26    — Teresa N. (posted on March 29, 2002)

March 29, 2002
Are these over the counter supplements? Generally, insurance won't cover anything that's over the counter, things such as tylenol, sudafed, B-12, Vitamin C, etc. They cover medical prescriptions only, birth control, vioxx, claritin, etc. If you have a Health Care Flexible Spending Account through your job, supplements can be claimed under that. Good luck.
   — Rosario T.

March 29, 2002
HI! The multivitamin my surgeon prescribes is a prenatal vitamin with iron. Since it is by prescription only, my husband's prescription policy covers it. I still have to pay for the extra citrical tablets he makes us take, as well as the B-12, but at least the multivitamin is covered. Maybe your surgeon could put you on prenatal vites? Most policies will cover them. Just my two cents. Good luck, Maria
   — Maria H.

March 29, 2002
Theresa, the only thing my insurance has covered were basically meds to help my malnutrition and anemia. The cover the injections I have to take and the meds to help me absorb more fat. Other than that, I have been on my own. It's such a great question and one that preops ought to know about. This expense for life I mean. Just another thing to keep in mind. I also have to say that along those same lines, I would love to know what happens to the post op who has problems and loses their insurance? I can't imagine paying for all of the medical bills that I have had for the last three years just concerning the anemia. Seems each time I get bloodwork done it's "at least" $500.00 and many times more due to the problems. It's just that I want preops to take all of this into consideration while they are considering other things. Thanks for the question.
   — Barbara H.

March 29, 2002
hello, my insurance won't cover anything over the counter. But, we do have a program where they will take money out of our check before taxes to use towards any medical expenses that they don't cover. Including purchases such as band aids....lol But, i figure it's a small price to pay for loosing soooooo much weight. And besides the vits. are probably costing me less then all the food i was eating anyway....LOL take care debbie
   — deborah D.

April 11, 2002
My wife, who is almost 1 year post op, takes a pre-natal vitamin, not because she is pregnant, but because she had some from before and felt more energy when she started taking them verses regular vitamins. So when she ran out, she had the Dr. give her a new prescription. Nice thing is that insurance does cover them and she gets a 2 month supply for about a $1, on her prescription insurance copay.
   — Dell H.

September 29, 2004
My Insurance pays for the B-12 shots. I have Mailhandlers. Hope this helps.
   — Candy M.