Long Beach Weight Loss Surgery and Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs): Paying for Bariatrics

Undergoing bariatric surgery can have a positive impact on your health as well as your overall quality of life. Paying for the surgery can be a major issue, however, which is why we always take time to discuss these matters at Advance Bariatric Center. Patients throughout the greater Los Angeles area have come to our practice to get all of the information that they need about advanced weight loss procedures such as gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery, gastric banding surgery, and more.

Many patients have asked us about the use of flex spending accounts to pay for their bariatric procedure. Let's take a moment to consider this option right now.

About Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Also known as reimbursement accounts and flexible spending arrangements, FSAs refer to a designated amount of money that is taken out of an employee's wages before taxes. This money is set aside in a special account used to cover eligible medical and dental expenses that are not otherwise covered by that person's medical insurance.

How Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs) Work

FSAs are only available annually, meaning that employees need to sign up for them before a given deadline. Since these accounts usually start around the first of a new year, it's important to keep this sign-up window in mind. The employee will submit proper paperwork and documentation of the medical or dental procedure in order to be reimbursed for the cost of care through this FSA.

Bariatric Surgery May Be an Eligible Flex Spending Account (FSA) Expense

Bariatric surgery isn't an automatically covered medical expense with FSAs. That said, a bariatric procedure may be covered by FSAs if it is prescribed by your general physician as part of a treatment for another medical condition or multiple medical conditions.

Some of the most common health problems associated with morbid obesity include the following:

Hypertension
Heart disease
Diabetes
Stroke
Sleep apnea

It is likely for you to receive coverage for bariatric surgery if you happen to suffer from the above or any combination of the above.

Proving Eligibility for Flex Spending Account (FSA)

When it comes to proving that your bariatric surgery will be an eligible expense, it's important to get documentation from you general physician about any health conditions that you may suffer from. You will also need some form of paperwork or documentation from us with regard to the nature and cost the bariatric surgery procedure.

Keep in mind that each FSA is different, so it's important to check on the exact documentation that is required in order for you to be reimbursed. Having all of this ready when you seek reimbursement is a sure way to avoid having it rejected. Our team will work with you to ensure that you receive just what you need.

Learn More About Surgical Weight Loss

If you would like to learn more about weight loss surgery and your many options out there for payment, it's important that you contact our bariatric surgery center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the very best results with regard to your appearance and your overall health and wellness.

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