Do you think insurance would pay for a breast reduction? I have premera blue cross.

Thank you for your question. You may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery.  Every insurance company is different in how they allow or cover breast reduction surgery. Most of them usually approve it based on symptoms and a proposed amount of breast tissue that will be removed. As crazy as this sounds, many companies use a formula called the Schnur formula that calculates the amount of tissue needed to be removed by your body surface area (which is calculated based on your height and weight). At 5' 2" and 118 pounds, your body surface area is about 1.53. Based on the Schnur formula, that would mean that you would need to have 260-280 grams (0.57-0.62 pounds) of breast tissue removed per breast for it to be covered by insurance. This is a modest amount and I think could be removed to give you some relief of your symptoms and be covered by insurance as long as you have the symptoms that go along with macromastia (large breasts). You need to seek a consultation with a local plastic surgeon. Only through a good physical exam can they tell you whether you would be a candidate for breast reduction surgery and whether your insurance will cover it. They would submit the procedure to your insurance for approval and see what the insurance says. Good luck to you!

Your insurance will need photos and initial clinical documents of functional problems to determine candidacy 

I am sorry to hear about the problems your disproportionately large breasts cause.  Best to check directly with your insurance company to see whether breast reduction surgery is a “covered” benefit with your specific policy. Then, given that every insurance company has different “criteria”, best to identify exactly what your specific insurance company considers criteria for approval. Generally, the more documentation you have (for example, from your primary care doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor etc.) the better when it comes to obtaining insurance “authorization” for the procedure. Also, for many insurance companies, the closer you are to your long-term ideal weight, the better.
This documentation and letter/pictures from your plastic surgeon will help you obtain authorization. Keep in mind, as you work towards your goals breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. Also, prepare to be persistent when dealing with health insurance companies. I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.