The Cost of Obesity

When it comes to weight-loss, bariatric surgery is becoming more of an option for the average person. From skyrocketing health costs related to obesity, to a poor quality of life, obesity can take a financial toll on an entire community. In the wake of these facts, insurances are beginning to look towards bariatric surgery as a way to cut the long-term costs of obesity,
Weight-loss surgery has been touted as a miracle surgery, when in reality the life-saving effects come from the weight-loss itself. The lap band, for example, has been considered a high blood pressure cure, a diabetes cure, and a cure for chronic joint pain. The rapid weight-loss often reverses the effects of these ailments, and produces a better outlook for patient health.

Because of the realization that rapid-weight loss is key in preventing and possibly reversing disease , more insurance companies are examining the costs of being obese. According to George Washington University’s School of Public Health and Health Services, the annual cost of obesity for an individual is between $3,000 and $5,000, annually. The cost of the Lap band procedure can be $11,500 and would essentially pay for itself over the course of a few years. This would save insurance companies thousands of dollars for each obese patient.

However, weight loss insurance coverage varies from one carrier to another. For example, Healthnet lap band surgery coverage can vary between plans and between patients. Each individual has different medical history, coverage, and needs. It may be easier to verify insurance by visiting websites such as http://www.lovelapband.com or calling 1-(977)-919-9997.