Blue Cross Blue Shield of TX Breast Reduction Coverage

Question

I am from RGV, TX and I was wondering if my insurance would help me cover the costs of a breast reduction. I am 20 years old,32 DD, 5'0" tall and I weigh about 110. I do have some minor grooves on my shoulders from the bra straps, and I do endure back pains although I ignore it. I was just wondering if Blue Cross Blue shield will cover some or all of the costs of a breast reduction. Thanks!

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Many health insurance companies cover breast reduction surgery. Reach out to your company to find out if this surgery is a covered benefit and what the guidelines are. Best wishes!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery. It is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

	Based on your description you may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery; for  physical and emotional reasons.
	The best way to obtain insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery involves some &ldquo;hoops&rdquo; to jump through. The more documentation you have (for example, from your primary care doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor etc.) the better when it comes to obtaining insurance &ldquo;authorization&rdquo; for the procedure.
	This documentation and letter/pictures from your plastic surgeon will help you obtain authorization. Make sure you're  working with a well-trained/experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.

	Best wishes.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Find a participating surgeon with BCBS and then schedule a consulatiion. Upon completeing your history and physical examination, probably including photographs, your surgeon can then prepare a letter of predetermination of benefits to be submtted to your carrier to ascertain your level of coverage.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Every insurance plan has their own unique criteria on whether they will cover a breast reduction.  More and more, we are seeing plans where a breast reduction is not a covered benefit.  If it is a covered benefit, some insurance plans set a minimum required amount of tissue to be remove in order to met their threshold for coverage.  Some set the amount in relation to your BMI (height and weight).  Others require extensive medical records documenting neck pain, back pain, and history of rashes.   The other alternative is to opt for a breast reduction as a self-pay option.   Start by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more about your options.
	Best wishes,

	Dr. Basu
	Houston, TX

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Every insurance compnay has different criteria to assess whether or not they will cover a breast reduction.  You should contact your insurance company and find out.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of TX Breast Reduction Coverage

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Blue Cross Blue Shield of TX Breast Reduction Coverage

Answers (8)

Answer: Insurance coverage for breast reduction

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