Wellmark BCBS

[HRHMKB 76]

I've lost over 170lbs since 2015 and 125 or so since surgery (sleeve) and have Wellmark of Iowa. I want to have plastic surgery, as I have so much excess skin that causes rashes on my tummy and pannus. Has anyone had any luck with this insurance as far as approval? I believe I can get a panni removal approved, but I want a TT at the least - or a body lift. The lift is most preferred. I want arms and thighs done at some point, but figure it won't be approved.

Anyone from Iowa in here with BCBS Wellmark?

[Wondrouswifey 1]

I just met with Dr. Lawrence at the UIHC. His financial person, Jodie, said that the front is usually paid for by Wellmark, but the back is not. I was quoted $8,030 for the Buttock lift, which is just the back of the body lift. Hope that helps. If I want anything else done, I won't need more photos, they did that all at my appointment.

[nurse247 74]

They will pay for a panniculectomy anything other than that is considered cosmetic. A panni is quite different from a Tummy Tuck or body lift. The focus of the panni is to take off the extra skin. The tummy tuck is more focused on taking off the skin and making the abdomen more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. I just paid 11 k for my body lift in Mexico with Dr Cardenas. It was actually seven procedures in one. It even helped with my thighs. best wishes to you!! Congrats in your loss!

[HRHMKB 76]

14 hours ago, Wondrouswifey said:

I just met with Dr. Lawrence at the UIHC. His financial person, Jodie, said that the front is usually paid for by Wellmark, but the back is not. I was quoted $8,030 for the Buttock lift, which is just the back of the body lift. Hope that helps. If I want anything else done, I won't need more photos, they did that all at my appointment.

When you say front, would that mean a Tummy Tuck? I checked with wellmark the other day and they said it was possible to get a body lift with prior approval. I've been taking pictures of rashes and such for the past 7 months. They're getting more frequent with each passing month.

[HRHMKB 76]

12 hours ago, nurse247 said:

They will pay for a panniculectomy anything other than that is considered cosmetic. A panni is quite different from a Tummy Tuck or body lift. The focus of the panni is to take off the extra skin. The Tummy Tuck is more focused on taking off the skin and making the abdomen more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. I just paid 11 k for my body lift in Mexico with Dr Cardenas. It was actually seven procedures in one. It even helped with my thighs. best wishes to you!! Congrats in your loss!

Congrats to you as well. I have the potential for a TT with Wellmark, so I'm hoping. I can't get to Mexico, so at the very least, have the panni and pay the difference for a TT. Ideally, I want a lower body lift. We shall see.