Paying for Bariatric Surgery

A common patient concern involves the cost of bariatric surgery, as well as the payment options available for the procedure being considered. The final cost of bariatric surgery largely depends on the procedure itself as well as the payment options available to the patient. And while bariatric surgery is by no means inexpensive, the potential benefits realized in the form of improved health, the possibility of fewer medications and greater social and career opportunities can often pay for the surgery over the course of several years. More immediately, patients will have several options for paying for their procedure:

Insurance coverage

Here at NYU Langone Long Island Surgical Associates, we accept most insurance plans. Insurance may cover a portion or all of the surgical procedure. Coverage will depend on individual plan details and limits including co-insurance, total out-of-pocket costs and deductibles. To understand your insurance benefits, it is important that you speak to your insurance company directly. You may also talk to our financial department to get your insurance benefits verified at no charge. Some insurance companies have significant restrictions on coverage for bariatric surgery, so please be sure you understand the pre-requisites for coverage.

Medicare covers bariatric surgery equally in every state, however they have very particular requirements for coverage and do not offer a preauthorization. It is, therefore, very important that patients understand their coverage under Medicare and their supplemental insurance plan, if any, to avoid any surprises after their procedure.

Financing for Bariatric Surgery

For patients who do not have adequate insurance coverage, financing may be an appropriate choice. There are many third-party financing companies that specialize in medical treatments, such as bariatric surgery. Feel free to contact us about your options. It is important to remember that financing plans come with significant penalties in the event of a default. These may include higher interest-rates, damage to your credit, and legal ramifications. So before choosing a financing program, be sure that you understand it fully.

Cash pay

Some patients who do not have the option of insurance coverage or financing may opt for paying for the entire bariatric procedure out of pocket. An added benefit to this option is the possibility of scheduling surgery sooner since there is no third party involvement in the approval process. We encourage these patients to contact our office to learn more about the options for paying for surgery outright.