Morbid obesity is a medical condition, not a cosmetic condition. Obesity is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Of course one benefit of having bariatric surgery is that patients often feel much better about their physical appearance, and find moving around easier than it has been in years.
However, the primary focus of weight loss with bariatric surgery is to treat the dangerous health conditions and diseases associated with obesity. Because weight loss surgery is medically driven, all requests for approval for these procedures are based on a medical diagnosis made by your surgeon. Most insurance policies will cover bariatric surgery, but their statuses do change often. Navigating insurance can be a confusing process, but at New York Bariatric Group we have helped thousands of patients understand their insurance options and have a successful journey approval. For questions about insurance, please contact us and we will be happy to go over your options.
The first step is to meet with a surgeon at New York Bariatric Group to determine if you are a candidate for the surgery. We have insurance experts on our team who will help you through the process if you are a candidate. Once you’ve been accepted into the New York Bariatric Group program, our office will call your insurance company and verify that the bariatric surgery procedure you’ll be undergoing is covered. We will also find out if your insurance plan has any deductibles or co-pays for this surgery. These support services are provided at no cost to you.
If you have already gone through prequalification and have insurance approval through another weight loss surgery program you quality for our Fast Track Program. You can talk to one of our patient counselors at 800-633-8446.
Dr. Shawn garber supports a variety of payment methods through his Self Pay packages including cash, credit card, stocks, bonds, investment funds, Health Flex Savings Account (HFSA), and your 401K. Weight loss surgery such as the virtually scarless single incision Gastric Sleeve, gastric bypass or Lap-Band can help improve or eliminate your co-morbid health complications, reducing your out-of-pocket cost of medications, doctor visits, time off work for illness and injury, and plus-sized clothing prices, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
The IRS allows taxpayers undergoing weight loss surgery to deduct expenses for procedures, approved weight-loss drugs, and nutritional counseling. Deductions are allowed for uncompensated expenses of treatment of an individual if the cost is more than 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. Talk to your tax professional or CPA about how tax deductions can help you and your weight loss surgery process. We’ve included the link below to the IRS Medical Tax Deduction Information page:
IRS Medical Tax Deduction Information
Some or all of the costs associated with a weight loss program may be reimbursable if you have a healthcare spending account (FSA/HSA). Check first with your account administrator about your eligible expenses. Some services, supplements, or medications may require a letter of medical necessity. Be sure to talk with your accountant or financial advisor about how this could help you.
| Items | Estimated Annual Costs |
|---|---|
| Mean medical drug costs (BMI greater or equal to 35) | $5,965 |
| Out-of-pocket healthcare costs | $2,182 |
| Employment inactivity costs | $900 |
| Commercial weight loss program fees | $600 |
| Prescription co-pays (5 meds at $10) | $600 |
| Grocery and diner costs | $5,321* |
| Total | $15,568 |
* A study recently showed that the average morbidly obese patient spends over $5000 per year in food. After weight loss surgery, food costs are about $1000 per year. That is a savings of over $4000 per year.
If insurance coverage for your weight loss surgery is not an option, or you want to try the non-surgical weight loss balloon, New York Bariatric Group accepts self-pay patients at very competitive prices.
The primary financing option we offer is through Prosper Healthcare Lending. They generally offer immediate decisions for loans of under $35,000. They also offer longer-term loans for lower monthly payments. Prosper does not require collateral for their loans, and there are no prepayment penalties. This application process for a Prosper loan is generally quick, and they keep your information confidential. You can click here to fill out their application.
If you would like to learn more about how insurance coverage works for bariatric surgery, please contact us at /phone 800-633-8446.
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Our team is happy to speak with you and help you understand any of the treatments we offer, or answer any questions you have. Please call and speak with us at 800-633-8446, or read more about the surgical and non-surgical options we offer here.
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Learn more“The staff and doctors at the New York Bariatric Group are amazing! They are always patient, helpful, and very understanding and pro-active with questions, problems, etc. After Lap Band surgery I feel fantastic. For the last 6 years I have not had to worry if my clothes would fit. I have been able to maintain my weight loss, and have so much more energy.”
Learn more"Dr. Holover has a great personality, I love him, I consider him a good friend, and I recommend him to everyone. He and his staff are amazing. I thought my recovery would be worse, but it wasn’t. It was great. After a couple of days I was back on my feet and going, with three boys you don’t have time to be down. Now, my kids have to keep up with me!"
Learn more"My results are incredible; I can go to any store and find clothes that fit, I don’t have to go to the big and tall store anymore. My family and friends say I look great, but more so are so happy about my health. Definitely go for it, it is well worth it."
Learn more"My recovery was very easy, I started moving around pretty quick because the nurses had me up and about. Dr. Angstadt has a great bedside manner, a cheerful disposition and is very knowledgeable. He was genuinely concerned for me, he answered all of my questions and put me at ease. I couldn’t be happier, I think it is the best decision I ever made."
Learn more"I was concerned about my health, my blood pressure, cholesterol, my mobility, my flexibility. A few friends told me about NYBG and I went to a seminar. I wanted to live a healthier life and live a long life. My recovery was great, after a week I was 100%. My doctor, Dr. Sekhar, has the best personality in the world."
Learn more"I had a couple of friends who had bariatric surgery done by Dr. Garber a few years back and I decided to make the appointment. My favorite thing about the surgery is not being able to eat that much, eating whatever I want but in smaller portions. My results are amazing"
*Individual results may vary.
