Financing a Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery for weight loss may be a life-saving
procedure, but it is not cheap. Although a number of insurance
companies cover the procedure, many individuals find that their
medical insurance providers balk at the cost. Most insurance
companies require a letter outlining a patient's weigh-loss
history and the medical necessity for the surgery before they
will even consider financing the procedure. Even with a
carefully crafted letter, many insurance companies will refuse
to authorize the surgery.

If this happens, the patient should not give up hope, since most
insurance providers give patients an opportunity to appeal a
denial. Most insurance companies require that patients appeal
within 30-60 days after receiving a denial of coverage. The
bariatric surgery insurance Appeal Letter should include
information disputing the insurance provider's reason for
denial. As a last result, patients may need an attorney to help
prove the medical necessity of the procedure.

For patients with no insurance, there are financial alternatives
available. A number of financial institutions offer financing
specifically for healthcare expenses such as co-payments,
deductibles, and procedures not covered by insurance, including
bariatric surgery. Some offer no-interest, same-as-cash plans as
well as extended payment plans. Some bariatric surgery centers
contract with finance companies to offer financial assistance to
patients who are interested in this type of surgery but do not
have the insurance to pay for it. 

Finally, a patient can take out a home equity loan to finance
the procedure. Those patients who do elected to pay for
bariatric surgery themselves should keep in mind that it may be
tax deductible, since it is considered a major medical expense.
A consultation with an accountant may e in order.