Are you considering weight loss surgery? This is not only a big decision for your health and personal weight loss journey, but it will also impact you financially. Insurance plans and insurance coverage varies and sometimes these types of medical procedures are not covered or only provide limited coverage. How much does insurance pay for weight loss surgery? It depends on your insurance company and your level of coverage.
Health Insurance and Weight Loss Surgery
The first step to determining your coverage for weight loss surgery is to contact your insurance company directly. If they cover bariatric surgery, that is great news! We will work closely with them to determine your benefits during your initial consultation appointment. That way you can plan and ensure no unexpected financial costs surprise you.
Also, make sure you note that your surgeon’s portion of the procedure will be a separate coverage for services that you get at the hospital, including anesthesia. We will be in touch with your insurance company letting them know that the procedure is a medical necessity for you.
We will also be available to answer questions for you, so you have all the information you need to stay calm and as stress-free as possible.
Then we will get your surgery date scheduled and talk to you about any deductibles or copays that need to be met.
Out-of-Pocket Costs of Weight Loss Surgery
If weight-loss surgery (any bariatrics procedure, including gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve, or any hospital stays) isn’t covered by insurance, you will need to plan to pay for your procedure out of pocket. The same goes for situations in which your insurance company covers weight loss surgery but not all of the cost.
Keep in mind that if your health insurance won’t cover you, and you choose to pay with a credit card, then the interest rates will likely add to the total cost.
Costs vary depending on the type of surgery you have. Laparoscopic gastric bypass can cost between $15,000 and $20,000. Other surgeries, such as a laparoscopic gastric sleeve are usually around $10,000.
Your bariatric surgeon will go over which option is best for you. Decisions will be based in part on your medical history and your body type.
If you have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, or other health problems, there may be additional tests or pre-operative services needed before the surgery. These will cost extra, and you will need to plan for those fees.
WeightWise
Finally, please note that WeightWise does not have an internal financing option. If you’re interested in this type of funding, we recommend contacting Care Credit (800-859-9975, www.carecredit.com) or Allegiance Credit Union (405-789-7900, www.allegiancecu.org).
Also, we’re happy to provide a list of insurance plans that are in our network. Call us at 405-359-2475 for more information.
All of this may seem overwhelming, but don’t be discouraged. We cover this info in depth during an informational seminar and during your initial consultation. We also assign patient advocates so that you will be informed and guided through each step of the process.
If you have questions at any time after the first consultation, your patient advocate is there for you!
Our team at WeightWise is excited to help you achieve the health benefits associated with weight loss surgery.
Paying with cash? Coming up with a financing plan? Working with your insurance company? We will make sure we can do what we can to help make your weight loss surgery a reality.