Can I get plastic surgery approved?

Question

I'm 24 and had gastric bypass a little over a year ago. I've lost over 100 lbs and have excess skin as a result. My insurance (United Healthcare) did not cover my initial surgery, but my question is- is it possible they would cover plastic surgery to have skin removed? What is the average cost of this (tummy tuck and breast contouring) ? What is the expected recovery time?

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

My wife had GP and fought with her insurance company for over two years. They finally paid for some stuff, but not for others.

If morbid obesity is endangering your health, you might make an argument for covering it... but the recividity rate is high, and they usually consider it cosmetic or not covered because of an exclusion. You might fight this under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which classifies morbid obesity as a disability.

Plastic surgery is even tougher... it's almost always clearly cosmetic. If your doctor can provide you with written reasons why it's not, you might have a chance.

Good luck.