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 patients 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 providers 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...