Yes, insurance generally covers preventative mastectomy and reconstruction. Policies vary by insurer and individual plan, but many plans cover the cost of preventative mastectomies, including all associated tests, surgeries, reconstructive procedures and related services. In some cases, patients may be responsible for copayments or other out-of-pocket costs depending on their specific coverage policy. It is important to contact your health insurance provider to discuss your particular coverage prior to scheduling any surgery or procedure.
Contents:
- What is preventative Mastectomy and Reconstruction?
- Who Should Consider a Preventative Mastectomy and Reconstruction?
- Insurance Coverage for Preventative Mastectomy and Reconstruction
- Types of Insurance That May Cover Preventative Mastectomy and Reconstruction
- Cost Considerations When Considering a Preventative Mastectomy and Reconstruction
- Resources to Learn More About Preventative Mastectomy and Reconstruction
What is preventative Mastectomy and Reconstruction?
Preventative mastectomy and reconstruction, sometimes known as prophylactic surgery, is a surgical procedure that can help prevent breast cancer from developing in women at high risk of the disease. The procedure involves removing both breasts and reconstructing them with either silicone implants or autologous tissue (tissue taken from another part of the body).
In certain cases, doctors may recommend preventative mastectomy and reconstruction to reduce the risk of breast cancer in those who have a family history or genetic mutation that puts them at an increased risk for developing it. For example, some women with the BRCA1/BRCA2 gene are more likely to develop aggressive forms of breast cancer. This procedure removes all potential sites where cancer cells could form while still allowing patients to maintain their desired shape and size of their breasts.
Despite being a major operation, many opt for this procedure due to its potential life-saving benefits. Before making any decisions about surgery however, consulting with an experienced medical professional is important so you can make the best decision based on your individual circumstances.
Who Should Consider a Preventative Mastectomy and Reconstruction?
As the risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, there are a variety of factors to consider when deciding whether a preventative mastectomy and reconstruction is right for you. The first factor should be your personal family history. If anyone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 45, you may want to strongly consider speaking with your doctor about taking proactive steps to prevent its development in yourself.
The next factor that can influence the decision is one’s genealogical profile. For those who possess certain genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 – which have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer – undergoing a preventative mastectomy and reconstruction could help lower their risk significantly. As such, it’s important for everyone to understand if they have any known genetic predispositions before making their decision.
Another key determinant involves one’s lifestyle habits. Those who smoke tobacco products or consume alcohol excessively on a regular basis face an elevated chance of developing breast cancer due to these poor behaviors and may benefit from additional preventive measures like a preventative mastectomy and reconstruction procedure instead. By taking into account all aspects mentioned above, individuals can make an educated choice about what is best for them moving forward in regards to insurance coverage and potential procedures alike.
Insurance Coverage for Preventative Mastectomy and Reconstruction
For those with a high risk of developing breast cancer, preventative mastectomy and reconstruction can be an effective way to reduce the chances of contracting the disease. The decision to undergo this procedure is highly personal, and should not be taken lightly. Fortunately, many insurance companies have coverage for these treatments due to their potential health benefits.
When researching what kind of coverage may be available for preventative mastectomy and reconstruction, it’s important to keep in mind that individual plans vary widely from carrier to carrier and even person to person. Some policies will cover all or most costs associated with the surgery and aftercare; others might cover only certain aspects such as facility fees or post-op medications. It’s worth reaching out directly to your insurer to understand exactly what is covered on your plan before getting started.
Some policies include additional restrictions in terms of how soon preauthorization must be requested, who can perform the surgery (in-network versus out-of-network physicians), and whether or not you need a referral from your primary care physician prior treatment approval. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with these fine details ensures that you are properly informed when making decisions about how best manage care associated with preventive mastectomy and reconstruction cost.
Types of Insurance That May Cover Preventative Mastectomy and Reconstruction
Having the right type of insurance coverage can make a huge difference in whether or not preventative mastectomy and reconstruction are covered. Generally, health insurance policies that cover preventive care may also provide some form of financial support for reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy. It is important to check with your insurer to determine what type of plan you have and what kind of coverage is available.
For those without health insurance or with policies that do not cover this procedure, there are other options. Some surgeons may offer flexible payment plans and/or affordable financing options so that individuals don’t have to foot the entire cost themselves upfront. Those looking for additional resources should look into patient assistance programs as well. These services typically work directly with hospitals, physician offices, and other medical facilities to provide treatment at discounted rates.
Depending on the individual’s circumstances, Medicare and Medicaid could also be possible sources of funding for a preventative mastectomy or breast reconstruction surgery. Individuals who are disabled due to breast cancer may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which can help pay for medical costs associated with surgeries like these if all other methods fail. The bottom line is that whatever route you choose to pursue financially speaking, it is important to research ahead of time so that you understand all your options before making any decisions regarding treatment plans and financing options moving forward.
Cost Considerations When Considering a Preventative Mastectomy and Reconstruction
Deciding to undergo a preventative mastectomy and reconstruction is a difficult choice with many cost considerations. The first expense is often the pre-surgery consultations, which range between $200 – $500 depending on the doctor and their location. A patient should understand that insurance coverage for such procedures may not cover every aspect of it; they will have to check their specific plan as they differ from insurer to insurer. While some insurers may cover reconstructive surgery, others do not.
An important thing to keep in mind is that if cancer is found during the procedure, then treatment for it can be covered under existing health insurance plans; however, if no cancerous cells are present the insurance company might not take responsibility for those charges. Some other costs associated with preventative mastectomies and reconstruction include post-operative care or physical therapy fees if necessary. Prostheses (breast implants) required for full breast reconstruction must generally be purchased out of pocket or through supplemental insurance coverage as these are almost never included in standard health plans.
Patients considering such surgeries should work closely with their doctors and discuss any anticipated financial obligations before making a final decision regarding such an operation. Researching supplementary insurance options available that can help offset associated costs is also worthwhile; more often than not when unexpected medical bills come up due to preventative surgeries people find themselves in debt or unable to manage expenses without outside assistance.
Resources to Learn More About Preventative Mastectomy and Reconstruction
Individuals considering preventative mastectomy and reconstruction have an array of resources available to them. Many organizations exist to offer support, education, and advocacy on the subject. These include websites, newsletters, forums and other online venues as well as in-person meetings.
One such organization is Preventive Mastectomy Support Network (PMSN). PMSN aims to “promote awareness, understanding and acceptance of preventive mastectomy” among medical professionals and members of the public alike. The organization also offers information regarding insurance coverage for both preventative surgery and reconstructive surgeries that may be necessary afterward.
There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to informing individuals about this particular procedure. Such groups are often created by those who have gone through a preventative mastectomy themselves or doctors who specialize in the practice. Through these social media outlets you can find blogs written by survivors detailing their experience with surgery as well as before and after photos from people that have undergone similar surgeries. It can provide helpful advice surrounding what forms of insurance will cover certain aspects of surgical costs associated with preventative mastectomies and reconstructions procedures should they opt for one.
