Whether your insurance will pay for your breast implant removal can be a slippery slope. Most insurance companies are unwilling to pay for a procedure that they feel was originally received for cosmetic purposes. They are more likely to pay for reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy.
Breast Reconstruction
Under an amendment through the ERISA laws (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), reconstruction is offered for women who have undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer. In most states, it is required by law to cover the reconstruction of both breasts.
Revision Procedures
Some companies are willing to cover your procedure, provided you have documentation of a leaking implant, but this is something you must check with your provider.
Capsular Contracture
It is common for some women to experience capsular contracture (where collagen fibers weave themselves around the implant, causing deformity). Many companies will cover the removal and reconstruction of the breasts in this case.
Removal
There aren't many insurance companies willing to remove implants because of a patient's fears regarding her implants, or if she becomes ill if an implant leaks.
Complications
If you get implants you are likely to have further procedures whether due to complications or because you do not like the look of your breasts. Some insurance companies see this as being a cosmetic issue and will not cover your breast implant removal.
Considerations
Before you consider getting breast implants, find out whether your insurance policy will cover removal of the implants under any circumstances. Breast implants do not last for life, and there are many reasons you may need to get them removed.
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