Will Getting Breast Implants Affect my Medi-cal Cal Optima?

Question

Dear RealSelf Doctors, I have a low income so I am under Medi-cal Cal Optima for my insurance. However, I have been saving up in cash for breast implants. I visited a plastic surgeon who quoted the price to be about $8000. Will my insurance Medi-cal Cal Optima find out that I got breast implants? And will they cover the price for my medications and blood test that I need to take before going under surgery? Thanks for your time.

Andres Taleisnik, MD · Answer

A breast augmentation will not affect your Medi-Cal status. You should also keep in mind, however, that Medi-Cal may not help pay in the unlikely event that you have complications from your surgery. I would strongly recommend that you choose a surgeon who provides CosmetAssure as part of your fee, especially since your finances are limited and your insurance is through Medi-Cal. This is a special insurance policy that would cover expenses if you need to go back to the operating room, or to the hospital or emergency room, as a result of your surgery. I'm not sure if Medi-Cal will cover medications or labs. There are a few things you should know, however. If you're under 50 and don't have any serious medical problems, current guidelines state that you don't need ANY lab tests, except possibly for a urine pregnancy test on the day of surgery at the surgery center (usually no charge). If you have to pay cash for the medications, they're truly inexpensive at the right pharmacies. I suspect that your medications would be at most $50-$100 at places like Walmart, Target or Costco. Finally, if you're considering breast augmentation without a lift, I'm certain that you can find expert surgeons in your area who would provide a much better price. Especially in your situation, that's a lot to spend. Good luck!

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and a breast augmentation should not affect your medical but given the fee you quoted and if funds are tight you should be able to find a more competitive price with experts in your areaDr Corbin

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Having breast augmentation should not affect your Medi-cal Cal Optima standing.  But, your health insurance may not cover the cost of your medications or labs for the procedure.  Check with your surgeon's office to see what they would recommend in this regard.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

Will Getting Breast Implants Affect my Medi-cal Cal Optima?

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Will Getting Breast Implants Affect my Medi-cal Cal Optima?

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