Obesity is a growing concern worldwide, with statistics showing that over a third of Americans are obese.

This epidemic not only affects our health and wellbeing but also our finances as the cost of treatments and health issues related to obesity continue to rise. However, there are insurance options that cover obesity-related treatments and procedures. In this article, we will explore these coverage options and what they offer to policyholders.

Types of Health Insurance Coverage

Before diving into the specific coverage options, let’s discuss the types of health insurance policies available. Health insurance policies generally fall into two categories, namely individual and group policies.

Individual Health Insurance Coverage

Individual health insurance coverage is a policyholder’s personal health insurance policy, separate from their employer. Individuals can obtain this coverage through brokers, insurance companies, or government exchanges.

Obesity coverage options in individual policies vary by state, but some policies include:.

Preventative Care

Many health insurance policies, including individual policies, provide preventative care. This care includes physical exams, health screenings, and weight loss counseling. The goal is to prevent obesity from developing through early intervention.

Bariatric Surgery Coverage

Bariatric surgery involves surgical intervention to promote weight loss for those struggling with obesity.

Insurance companies and policies may have specific eligibility requirements for bariatric surgery coverage, but most coverage options for this procedure are available to individuals with a BMI over 40 or those with a BMI over 35 with significant obesity-related health problems. Bariatric surgery coverage may include gastric banding, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy procedures.

Prescription Drugs and Services

Some health insurance policies offer medically supervised weight loss programs and prescription drug coverage. These programs and drugs help with appetite suppression, weight loss, and weight maintenance for individuals suffering from obesity.

Group Health Insurance Coverage

Group health insurance coverage is a policy offered by employers to their employees. Employees pay part of the premium, and the employer pays the rest. Group policies generally have more extensive coverage options than individual policies:.

Preventative Care

Group policies often provide access to preventative care options such as nutritional counseling, weight loss programs, and physical activity programs to help prevent obesity.

Coverage for Weight Management Programs

Some group health insurance policies cover weight management and nutritional counseling programs. These programs help prevent obesity and promote healthy weight management for employees.

Conclusion

Health insurance policies for individuals and employers can offer various coverage options that help prevent and treat obesity.

Understanding the different coverage options and requirements can help individuals and employers make informed decisions about which policy to purchase. It’s important to remember that obesity treatment and prevention are ongoing processes that require consistent efforts from individuals and health insurance policies.

Choosing a policy with the right coverage options can help make that process more accessible and less financially burdensome.