Does Having Breast Implants Affect Health Coverage?

asked 3 years ago by qtpa2d2003 in California
Latest answer by Michael C. Edwards, MD
Question viewed 1,435 times
Tags: breasts, bigger, insurance

Is it true that women with Breast implants may have a problem getting health coverage?

6 answers to Does Having Breast Implants Affect Health Coverage?

This is an issue at times

Dr Teitelbaum explains it best. I have spoken with women who were applying for individual policies who have been markedly "uprated" as a result of having saline or silicone implants. I have discussed this with the medical director of a local managed care plan whose take was it was their perogative to do this. By virtue of the fact they won't cover a beneficiary for implant-related issues yet charge them more should be challenged. The bottom line is to check with your... more

Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

www.medwardsmd.com

It is possible...

Most insurance policies do not cover any future surgeries related to breast augmentation if the implant was placed for cosmetic purposes. Since there are no systemic health issues related to breast implants, why should this be an issue? Once in a while, we hear of women denied health coverage because of their breast implants. So far, we are only aware of such cases of women applying for "individual policies," not with "group policies." In other words, if you are... more

Steven Teitelbaum, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

This is a question to be asked of your health insurance company

This is a question to be asked of your health insurance company. As physicians, we treat our patients to the best of our medical ability, but I have little knowledge about health insurance. Health insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. The variety of plans available, can differ greatly in terms of coverage which is why premiums vary. Insurance companies are not your friend, despite their frequently warm fuzzy ads, they are a business out to maximize their profit,... more

Darrick E. Antell, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Insurance coverage may be affected by breast implants

Yes, this may affect you health coverage. It is not likely that you will be denied health coverage. However, it is possible that you will be issued a rider or an exclusion for coverage of breast issues or breast related conditions or problems. For example if you sustain a complication of the implants that requires removal or biopsyt or if you need an MRI to evaluate implant integrity, these may not be covered by your insurance policy. Each insurance company handles these claims differently... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation and Health Coverage

This is the first time I have heard of this. I dont believe it is an issue. Also, health insurance companies ask about any medical problems you have had in the past and surgeries you have had, but I know of many who have changed insurance companies after their surgeries and have had no issues.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Check with your provider prior to choosing one

It is a good idea to check with your insurance provider regarding this specific issue. Some insurance policies might not cover any squelae of breast implants e.g rupture, capsule formation, etc.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

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