Question:
does insurance cover a tummy tuck ?

   — rocky506 (posted on March 22, 2004)

March 22, 2004
My tummy tuck and armlift surgery was covered by both my primary and secondary insurance providers (Acordia and CIGNA PPO). It is critical that the plastic surgeon request insurance coverage for "reconstructive surgery" following massive weight loss....never "cosmetic surgery". Cosmetic surgery equals an automatic denial with most providers. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

March 22, 2004
All insurances have to review each case for "medical necessity" vs cosmetic. Hanging skin or breasts can be a medical problem with rashes, back problems, unable to exercise etc.. A good PS will write a good letter of medical necessity and photos speaks volumes. Also, if you have other doc's such as GYN,CHIRO,MD to verify you've had problems that are medically necessary, this will help also.
   — ZZ S.

March 22, 2004
Yes and no. Some do, some don't. Blue Cross Blue Shield just came out with a big policy change saying they won't cover Gastric Bypass or reconstructive surgery anymore. Anyway, I've put a letter that I wrote to my insurance company (BCBS ironically) on my TT page...hope it helps. Fight for all it's worth, girl, the results are worth it! Jen RNY 11/12/2002 -147 TT 3/2/2004 -10 so far
   — Jen E.

March 22, 2004
My bc/bs of alabama covers panniculectomy which I've had a consultation meeting with a plastic surgeon. Hopefully everything will be alright. I kinda get angry with the insurance companies about things. They'll pay for a drunk/dopehead for rehab, will pay for a smoker to quit/and pay for treatment of self induced lung cancer treatments, but won't cover tummy tucks. GO FIGURE!?!?!
   — Leigh G.