Weight loss surgery is a major step toward becoming healthy. For many obese and morbidly obese individuals, it is a life saving surgery and all but a medical necessity. Obesity-related illnesses cost the American people over $100 billion per year, equal to the costs of smoking-related illnesses. Although weight loss surgery seems expensive at first glance, when compared to the high cost of obesity -- monetarily, emotionally, and physically -- it is a bargain. These days, you can get help paying for weight loss surgery both from insurance and financing, making weight loss surgery an option for anyone in need.

Many insurance companies have taken notice of the high cost of obesity and have begun to cover weight loss surgery. Insurance coverage varies depending on your plan, the state, your provider, and the type of surgery you are going to have.

Requirements for Weight Loss Surgery Insurance

In almost all cases, the weight loss surgery must be precertified, or approved, by your insurance carrier before it is performed or the claim will not be paid. In general, to receive coverage you must meet the following criteria:

• insurance plan that covers weight loss surgery
• referral from primary care physician
• weight loss surgeon and hospital or clinic that are covered under your plan
• medical necessity requiring weight loss surgery, generally a BMI >40 or a BMI >35 combined with health complications
• documented history of obesity >2 years
• complete medical history
• three months - one year of exercise and diet records
• psychological exam showing that you are prepared for weight loss surgery
• results of lab tests

If your insurance company denies coverage for your weight loss surgery after your initial precertification request, you can appeal the decision. You should file your appeal as soon as possible after the denial. Contact Houston Weight Loss Surgery Center as we may be able to assist with your appeal.

Medicare & Medicaid Coverage for Weight Loss Surgery

Because obesity costs the federal government more money than weight loss surgery, Medicare and Medicaid have begun to cover some of the costs of certain weight loss surgery procedures. You must also ask your surgeon if he accepts medicare.

Several options exist for financing weight loss surgery. If you qualify, you can finance all of your surgery or part of it, such as your deductible and co-pay. Some methods of financing weight loss surgery include the following:

• weight loss surgery financing through your surgeon
• bank loan
• loan from 401(k) or other savings
• second mortgage
• credit cards

The staff at Houston Weight Loss Surgery Center can help you explore your financing options. Most surgeons work closely with weight loss surgery financing companies. It often requires little more work from you than filling out an online application and then making monthly payments.