One option to get your insurance to cover plastic surgery (breast)

Just thought I would throw this out there...

I am a cancer patient who carries the gene that makes it significantly more likely that I will develop breast cancer.  My mother died from this (breast, colon, liver cancer- they were never certain where it started), and my younger sister is currently fighting breast cancer- and she is only 40.  Consequently, I have decided to have a preventative double mastectomy.  It occurred to me, however, that the plastic surgery component may be of some interest to some here.  

After my weight loss the girls have paid the price, but paying for extensive plastic surgery is too dear at the moment given multiple kids in college at the moment.  I just went to a consult on abdominoplasty, most of which the doc anticipates the insurance covering.  I should find out soon on that.  While there, I asked about the mastectomy- something that I have already decided to do but am working on figuring out the timing.  Given for some women they use belly fat to assist with the reconstruction I didn't want to eliminate options by getting abdominoplasty if it was applicable.  The doc said he doubted I even had enough fat to do an A cup, and that realistically implants would be the best option. Thus, I am going to proceed with this surgery first I think.  

Today I called my insurance company and they initially said they would not cover the mastectomy, but after rattling off my risk factors they sent it to the auditor who said I would qualify easily due to the multiple factors I have going on. This includes reconstructive surgery.  Not sure ladies if you have ever checked out photos of what the finally product looks like, but it sure looks better than what I got going on right now.  And of course, I would have a 90% plus reduction in the likelihood of developing breast cancer- a near certainty for me IMHO if I do not get proactive about this.

I know that folks out there would not go for this surgery just for the covered plastic surgery that goes along with it, but I thought I would just throw this out there:  You can substantially reduce your cancer risk and have your PS covered.  

Think about it.  It could save your life.  And you could look great too!

Nice Post.. GOOD LUCK!

I appreciate your positive attitude and ability to find a silver lining in a scary situation. Good luck with your surgery!

I had a friend *****cently had a double mastectomy  - after a clean mammogram and no family history. She had reconstructive at the same time.  I hear it is best not to use abdomen fat for the reconstruction. I would definitetly go ahead with the abdominoplasty. Good luck.

A very brave decision, and I appreciate your sharing the idea.

i hope your procedure goes very well for you.

I think the surgery is a good chose for you , but not for someone with out a family history and a clean test, if there worried about breast caner the should get tested as there doctor recommends 

but someone like you that has a lot of family history and tested positive for the gene ,plus the limp noodle boobs we get

 it is a good plan of action , what does your doctors say about it

Going into the doc about the procedure in July for more info.  I just know that I qualify and what I was learning online about it at this point.  Personally, just having the genetic marker is reason enough for me.  The other factors just reaffirm it.  

Yes there was a law passed in 1998 that makes insurance companies pay for reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. Something I found out was that they can't do reconstruction with implants after a lumpectomy only after a mastectomy because the radiation makes the tissue too fragile to operate on. I learned this the hard way because if I had known before hand I would have gone with the mastectomy so I could have gotten a more normal looking breast. It is good for all women to know they have the right for reconstruction.

Angelina Jolie just did the same thing. Brave, progressive thinking women you are!