Bariatric Surgery Cost and Financing Information

At Bariatric Solutions, we understand that weight loss surgery can be costly. We know how important weight loss procedures are for our patients, however, and we are committed to helping individuals in need obtain the care they deserve. Many insurance companies cover bariatric surgery under their plans, as morbid obesity poses a genuine health risk to individuals; however, insurance coverage varies for each patient. It is important that you verify with your insurance provider that bariatric surgery is covered under your policy. Our office can assist you in this process. If surgery is not covered, we offer bariatric surgery financing through CareCredit® and SurgeryLoans.com. We also offer competitive cash price packages that include all aspects of the surgery process. To learn more about our financing options or to schedule a consultation, contact Bariatric Solutions today.

* Preparing for and Acquiring Approval
* Bariatric Surgery Financing
* Tax Benefits
* Affordability Calculator

Preparing for and Acquiring Approval

Insurance companies often require extensive documentation regarding your weight history and your attempts at weight loss. Before you contact your insurance provider, you should collect as many documents as you can, including:

* Medical documentation of a five-year weight history
* Documentation detailing the use of diet drugs or medically prescribed diets
* Records indicating participation in a commercial diet (Jenny Craig® and Weight Watchers®, for example)
* Records indicating participation in an exercise program (gym memberships or intramural sports leagues)
* Records indicating monthly visits with your Primary Care Physician in regards to weight loss attempts

It is important that you gather this official documentation and it is in your best interest for it to be as complete as possible. Insurance companies will require official documentation before they are willing to subsidize or cover the costs of bariatric surgery. If you are missing documentation, you may be able to obtain copies from your physician or the commercial weight loss programs you have participated in.

Upon receiving the required documentation, our insurance specialist at Bariatric Solutions will review the material to ensure that it meets the guidelines outlined by the insurance company and send a letter of recommendation to your provider, recommending bariatric surgery for your continued health. At Bariatric Solutions, we will work diligently for approval from your insurance provider. If your insurance provider denies the request, we can assist you in an attempt to appeal the decision. We are committed to helping our patients live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Bariatric Surgery Financing

At Bariatric Solutions, we realize that not all insurance providers are willing to cover the costs of bariatric surgery, therefore we offer our patients several financing options to make the cost of the procedure more affordable, including CareCredit® and SurgeryLoans.com.  CareCredit® has helped over 3 million patients undergo the procedures that they need, and they may be able to help you if you are looking to finance your bariatric procedure. SurgeryLoans.com offers an array of financing options and can assist you quickly and confidentially. If you are interested in undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery, LAP-BAND® System surgery, REALIZE™ Band, or Sleeve Gastrectomy, personal financing can make it possible.

Click Here to apply for Dr. Stowers Care Credit Application 

Click Here to apply for Dr. Rodriguez Care Credit Application

Tax Benefits

In the year you finance or pay cash for your bariatric (weight loss) surgery, you may be eligible to receive money back in potential tax savings. IRS Publication 502 states you can deduct your medical and dental expenses when they total more than 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (see IRS publication 502, page 2—http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf). 

Although the processes of calculating tax deductions are by no means precise and can be quite complex, you may be able to deduct a portion of your medical expenses, including the costs associated with your weight loss surgery. The deduction is designed so that your taxable income is reduced to the extent your medical expenses exceed a percentage of your adjusted gross income. Many non-reimbursed medical expenses, including bariatric surgery, medications, and other medical services exceeding 7.5% of a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income, are tax deductible. See the list below for just some of the examples of potential tax savings. Be sure each medical expense you consider as a deduction meets the IRS requirements of a tax deduction. Common medical expenses that are not deductible include most cosmetic surgery, nutritional supplements, non-prescription drugs, and teeth-whitening expenses.

The rules for tax deductions for medical expenses are established by the Internal Revenue Service and explained in Publication 502. For additional information, visit www.irs.gov or call 1-800-829-1040 to reach the Internal Revenue Service. Always speak with your tax advisor regarding tax issues.

Remember, tax and financial circumstances are different for each person and the laws are constantly changing. This information should be not be considered financial advice or used as a substitute for the advice of an accountant or tax advisor. You should seek financial advice from a professional for any questions about medical tax deductions that you may have.

To maximize the Medical Expenses Tax Deduction on your personal tax return, be sure to include the following expenses:

•  All medical expenses, including most dental expenses, for everyone listed on your tax return (your spouse and dependents)
•  Costs of medically-supervised weight loss programs (but not the cost of low-calorie food). To justify the deduction, your doctor must recommend participation in a weight loss program to reduce health risks.
•  Insurance payments paid with taxed income
•  Uninsured medical expenses including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids
•  Prescription drug costs not covered by insurance, and co-payments for medications covered by insurance
•  Travel expenses to and from medical treatments, calculated by using standard mileage rates, set each year by the IRS (14 cents per mile in 2004, 15 cents per mile in 2005, 20 cents per mile in 2007, and 19 cents per mile in 2008)¹
•  Medically necessary costs prescribed by physicians
•  The cost for corrective eye surgery

Contact Bariatric Solutions

For more bariatric surgery cost and financing information, please contact our office and our insurance specialist will be happy to assist you.

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