Insurance

Bariatric surgery is covered by many health insurance plans and the BIW insurance specialist can help you get pre-approval from them. Many health insurers recognize the long-term benefits of bariatric surgery and their approval process can be routine. However, all health insurance plans do not yet cover bariatric surgery and to get pre-approval may require more effort.

If your insurance plan does not cover bariatric surgery, the Bariatric Institute of WI has an attractive self pay program that includes Blis Care^TM insurance product. Please call our office for more information or visit the Blis Care website [www.bliscompany.com] for more information.

You might find additional help from Obesity Law and Advocacy Center. Visit their web site for more information.

Bariatric Surgery May Offer Tax Benefits

In March, 2002, The Internal Revenue Service stated .Obesity is medically accepted to be a disease in its own right.. Because of this ruling the cost of some weight-loss programs are tax deductible. Taxpayers who participate in these programs for medically valid reasons will now be able to deduct amounts above 7.5% of their adjusted gross income, similar to any other medical expense not covered by insurance or other reimbursement. A taxpayer’s spouse and dependents would also be covered.

The IRS cited obesity and high blood pressure as examples of diseases for which the deduction could be taken.