Will insurance pay for arm lift, if it is so bad I can use my arms?

Arm lift, or Brachioplasty is generally considered a cosmetic surgery and will not be covered by insurance. 

Thank you for your question regarding insurance coverage of arm reduction / arm lifts / brachioplasties. Yes, insurance companies do cover arm reduction / arm lifts / brachioplasties. Insurance coverage for your arm reduction surgery is based on the your physical examination, classification of arm type, your insurance plan, strength of your plastic surgeon's letter requesting surgery, your documentation of arm rashes, documentation of difficulty performing activities of daily life due to your large arms, and the approval of the medical director within your insurance plan. Unfortunately, as you can see, there are many variables. There is no one set of criteria which qualifies or guarantees insurance coverage for an arm lift or arm reduction surgery. Typically, the larger your arms, the more likely your medical insurance is able to approve the arm lift / arm reduction / brachioplasty procedure. You will need to document arm rashes. I would suggest photographing your arms rashes, documenting trips to your doctor for evaluation of these arms rashes, and copying of receipts of medications purchased for the treatment of these arm rashes. In addition, you will need to describe, in writing, your difficulties with activities of daily life, due to your large arms.There are significant variances between insurance companies and even differences in plans within the same insurance company. Insurance plans can also vary from state to state. Most insurance companies require you to be under a certain BMI.In summary, I would suggest seeking an experienced plastic surgeon who is willing to work with you in trying to obtain insurance coverage. I would gather documentation of arm rashes. In addition, before consulting with your chosen plastic surgeon, I would create a list of things that are difficult for you to perform. When you meet with your plastic surgeon, please request that your plastic surgeon submit to your insurance company for prior authorization for arm reduction or brachioplasty. If your plastic surgeon feels it is so indicated, he or she will submit to your insurance company. Then, unfortunately, in the end, it is up to your insurance company to decide whether they will cover your arm lift / arm reduction / brachioplasty procedure or not.I hope this answers your question regarding insurance coverage for arm lifts, arm reductions, or brachioplasties. Good luck! I hope your arm reduction surgery gets authorized by your insurance. If you have any more questions regarding insurance coverage for your arm lift, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Subjective descriptions of "how bad" a problem is usually causes insurance providers to develop criteria that are objective and must be documented in the medical record to obtain coverage. It is doubtful that you will actually meet these criteria, but that will be for your chosen plastic surgeon and your existing insurance provider to work through.Don't get your hopes up, however. I have been an insurance reviewer for Blue Cross/ Blue Shield for years, as well as one for Medicare, and cannot recall one case of brachioplasty that was approvable/approved.Start with consultations with one or more ABPS-certified plastic surgeons, but prepare to cover the cost for this surgery yourself. Don't be swayed by surgeons who tell you they can "get coverage for you," as this is often a claim designed to get you in their office, only to be told later that insurance won't cover it, which they know all along. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen