Does United Health Care Cover Weight Loss Surgery?

When considering the question of "Does United Healthcare Cover Weight Loss Surgery?" it is important to understand that this type of coverage can only be offered by some insurers. In many cases, your primary care doctor will be able to fill you in on the ins and outs of your specific insurance company's plans.

As the health industry continues to age, many medical specialists are pointing to obesity as a silent, sneaky killer. This observation is borne out by recent major health statistics. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) predicts that in the next decade, the number of overweight and obese people will increase at a rapid rate. The problem is made worse by the fact that weight loss methods are often controversial and subject to fierce debates. As a result, insurance companies have begun offering policies to individuals who are trying to lose weight through various means.

Although there are a number of health insurance companies that offer specific policies designed for individuals who are trying to lose weight, not all of them are created equal. Many of these plans have a wide range of restrictions and limitations, especially when it comes to the treatment of weight issues. For example, some plans may not cover certain procedures such as bariatric surgery, which is primarily intended to help people lose weight. At the same time, some insurers will not cover some procedures, which may include gastric bypass surgery or liposuction.

The first step in determining whether your plan offers comprehensive coverage for your weight loss program is to contact your insurer. You should obtain a copy of your health insurance policy during a normal office visit. During this visit, your primary care physician should be able to tell you whether or not your plan contains "guaranteed issue" coverage. "Guaranteed issue" plans provide coverage if your physician recommends a weight loss procedure. Unfortunately, many physicians do not take advantage of this provision, so it is essential that you discuss this issue with your physician.

If your physician has decided to use "non-standard" surgical methods, you may still be subject to non-network coverage. Usually, this means that the physician must obtain pre-certification, which can take several weeks. Once your physician has received pre-certification from the Network Doctor, your coverage will usually begin immediately. Many plans also provide an additional guarantee program, which provides additional coverage should your physician's office experience a significant number of non-standard surgeries. Most of these programs are intended to provide emergency coverage.

Another common restriction associated with many insurance plans is a ban on the use of weight-loss surgery to help patients lose weight. In many cases, this ban results from the belief that obesity is linked to increased mortality. According to the Society for Obesity Treatment, patients who undergo surgery to help them lose weight face increased risks of mortality due to complications related to surgery, including infection, hematoma, hemorrhage, and sub-zero blood pressure. As with all forms of medical care, this type of risk is considered extremely high and is simply not worth it for an individual who wants to good quality health care. Similarly, a patient may seek weight loss surgery because of a pre-existing condition, which prohibits insurance companies from paying for the procedure. Because obesity is such a complex condition, it is important to discuss all of your options with your doctor.

It is important that you shop around for health care insurance. Even though price is important, there are a number of factors that influence the premium cost, as well as the range of coverage provided by different health care plans. Always compare prices online between health care provider sites. In addition, look at the quality of service provided. Many websites allow you to put in a short form to request quotes from a number of different insurance providers. Take the time to read through all of the information that you have been provided, and always contact the companies you are interested in working with directly.

As previously mentioned, there are some situations in which weight loss surgery is absolutely appropriate. If your weight is dangerously high, or if you have a chronic medical condition that requires you to lose weight, then you should definitely consider surgery. When it comes to surgical procedures, however, there is one important factor to consider: does it come with a guarantee? Yes, some surgeries come with a 90 day money back guarantee, so in the event that you are not able to successfully shed the weight that you want to, you will not have to pay additional charges. For this reason, many individuals who are contemplating gastric bypass surgery to make sure that they will be able to stick to a healthy diet once they are on the mend. It is always a good idea to think carefully about any surgical procedure, and it is especially important to ask the important questions before you sign up for any operation.