Insurance 411: Bariatric Surgery in Virginia
Insurance coverage is a hot topic when it comes to bariatric surgery in Virginia.
While most insurance plans require some sort of cost to the patient, there are some plans that completely cover this procedure.
Individual vs. Family Insurance
The Affordable Care Act requires 23 states to cover weight loss surgery.
This applies to all individual plans, family and small group plans.
You have three options for your small group surgery insurance coverage:
· (Recommended) Have your surgeon contact your insurance provider.
· Speak to your HR department to see if this surgery will be covered.
· Call your insurance company with coverage questions.
Large Group Insurance Through Work
If your work covers your insurance and you work at a company with over 51 employees, your company will be the ones who decide if your weight loss surgery will be covered.
We recommend that you have your surgeon check with your insurance company to see if you are covered.
Medicare or Medicaid
If you are a patient covered by Medicare or Medicaid, you should be completely covered as long as you meet their qualifying guidelines.
You have a BMI greater than 35
You have at least one obesity related comorbidity
You can provide documented medical proof that other obesity treatments have been ineffective.
Please note that you will likely need a referral from your primary care physician in order to also qualify for Medicare or Medicaid coverage.
Bariatric Surgery in Virginia
If you have been struggling to lose that extra weight despite a healthy diet and exercise regimen, you may be the perfect candidate for bariatric surgery.
At Northern Virginia Surgical Specialists, our team of surgeons are board certified with years of experience working with patients struggling to lose weight.
If you would like to schedule a consultation for bariatric surgery with Thrive Surgery, please contact us today.