Does Insurance Cover Lap Band Surgery?

Lap band surgery is growing popularity for 2 reasons. The first being that it is a relatively inexpensive way to alleviate obesity related health issues. The second is that it can help a person regain a healthy weight. But many people are asking the question, “does insurance cover lap band surgery?”

Lap band surgery has come down in price considerably in the past year. It is actually affordable to many people and if your insurance company does not pay for this surgery, there are many medical financing companies that will allow you to make payments on the surgery.

But there are many insurance companies that will now cover the cost of lap band surgery. The truth is, being obese can be very expensive–more expensive than having lap band surgery. Many presurgery patients suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, joint pain and type 2 diabetes. All of these conditions cost money in doctors visits and medications. As a result, many doctors are recommending lap band surgery to their patients that 100 pounds over weight or have severe medical conditions due to being overweight.

At the time that I had my surgery (09/05), my insurance company would only cover the RNY. But that has changed since that time. The lap band is now covered, but you must meet certain conditions to qualify. In addition, you must complete certain educational programs and preop tests. Most of these will be at your own expense. I used flexible spending to pay for most of mine and that saved me about 30 percent of the total cost of these expenses.

The best way to find out if your insurance company covers lap band surgery is to call them and ask. It will depend on what kind of arrangement your company has with your insurance provider. My insurance company paid for the surgery in full. The person next to me had the same insurance company and her plan only covered 50 percent of the surgery. If your insurance company does not cover the surgery, they may have other options that will help you lose weight. Or you may want to consider financing the surgery. The surgery only runs about $10,000. Most people pay more than that for a car. Why not consider putting the money towards your health.