Question:
Insurers that pay for plastics
i was wondering if anyone was willing to list insurers that pay for plastics without jumping thur major hoops. i have military insurance and would like to buy more coverage from a company that is known to pay for plastics. i looked on the site for insurers for my state for plastics, but there weren't any yet. thanks! — franbvan (posted on December 19, 2003)
December 18, 2003
Anthem BC/BS approved my tummy tuck, but not the breasts. Before I could
get together an appeal, I found out I was pregnant so all that is on hold.
Good Luck, I have heard it is hard to get individual insurance coverage
after WLS.
— Ali M
December 18, 2003
Hi! It took one appeal but Cigna EPO AZ approved me for my tummy tuck. I
had surgery November 17,2003 :) Good Luck!
— Stephanie B.
December 18, 2003
Fran, I believe we have the same insurance carrier, Tricare, correct? I
was a lightweight and only had 100 lbs to lose so my panni doesn't hang at
all but just looks terrible. My PCP wrote a letter to Tricare indicating
the 'medical necessity' of me having an abdominoplasty because of chronic
rashes that developed in the creases. Tricare sent me to a PS. He thought
I would benefit from a complete lower body lift which lifts the outer
thighs, buttocks and of course the abdominoplasty as well. Tricare
approved the entire lower body lift and not just the abdominoplasty. I
live in So Cal and I'm not sure if my region is easier to get approved or
not but they approved it after the first request and I didn't even have to
appeal. They flat out denied the breast lift and arm lift and the rep told
me they 'never' approve either of those as they've never seen a case that
was really medically necessary. Just wanted you to know my experience.
Let me know how you fair with Tricare. Good luck~
— Vicki S.
December 19, 2003
Hi. I have TriCare Prime for regions 3 and 4. My PCP referred me to a
plastic surgeon and the surgeon took pictues of me and wrote a letter to
TriCare. They approved me for everything I asked for. The breast lift will
be covered; however, they may not cover the cost of the actual implants
(about $1000). I'm scheduled for surgery on Jan. 16. Good Luck to you.
— Sarah K.
December 19, 2003
Aetna EPO approved my Tummy and Arms on the first try (I sent pics and
medical necessity letter along with office notes that showed I had spoken
to the PCP about rashes and sores. They approved my Hips, Thighs, and Butt
after sending more embarrassing pics, writing a thorough appeal letter (Sue
Barr has good letters on her web site), and my surgeon sending another
appeal letter (we had to appeal two levels). Anyway, it was well worth it
and they have been good to me the whole way. Good Luck. I should also
mention that even if you go to any of these insurance companies, it will
still depend on your individual policy.
— Beffy W.
December 19, 2003
I have Independence Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO through Comcast (AT&T
Broadband) - My Tummy tuck and inner thigh lift was approved first try with
no appeals. My hip lift, butt lift, breast lift, and arm lift was approved
on 1st appeal. I had rashes, infections, back, neck, and shoulder pain and
documented everything everytime I had a break out. I also took lots of pics
each time and went to the doctor each time. I had all of my doctors write
me letters supporting my need for RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY (Never call it
plastic when it comes to the insurance companies. Good luck.
— Teena A.
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