Using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to Pay for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
More and more people are turning to bariatric surgery in order to address their issues with obesity and morbid obesity. Surgical weight loss techniques have allowed people to lose weight quickly and safely, improving their health and overall wellness in the process. The team at our bariatric surgery center believes that the gastric sleeve is one of the best options to consider for surgical weight loss, and we've discussed it at length on our blog over the last few months.
One question that we've noticed pop up online a few times involves the use of flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to pay for gastric sleeve surgery. These issues are made more complicated given that a number of our patients come to Tijuana from the United States in order to have the procedure performed. Let's cover some of the basics so you understand what is involved.
What is a flexible spending account (FSA)?
A flexible spending account allows an employee to set aside a certain amount of his or her wages as a means of paying for various health care expenses. This generally is done to pay for medical procedures and even dental procedures of various kinds.
Can I use my flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for gastric sleeve surgery?
In many cases, flexible spending accounts (FSAs) can used to pay for gastric sleeve surgery and bariatric procedures. It's important to note that FSAs do vary, so it's important to check with your employer and your FSA provider to see if the gastric sleeve procedure is a covered medical expense.
Can I use my flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for surgery performed abroad?
This comes as a surprise to many people, but yes, you can use your flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for medical procedures performed abroad in many cases. Again, it's is worth noting that the FSA will vary from employer to employer and from provider to provider. Be sure to check about restrictions and stipulations for all such matters.
Other Concerns to Consider with Regard to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Travel may or may not be covered by your flexible spending account (FSA), so it's something that's worth considering when it comes to issues of medical tourism. It's also important to consider all of the documentation that will need to be kept related to medical treatment. Receipts, letters, and other sorts of information may be required in order for the medical procedure to be covered. Keeping and filing all such papers will help prevent headaches down the road with regard to FSAs.
Additional Payment Options to Keep in Mind
If you would prefer to consider other options for payment aside from flexible spending accounts (FSAs), there are monthly financing options that can make things easier for you. Prospective patients should feel free to contact us with any questions that they have so that full information can be provided as needed.
Learn More About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
If you would like to learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and your many other options out there for advanced bariatrics, we encourage you to contact our Tijuana bariatric/weight loss surgery center today. The entire team here will be able to answer your questions and address your various concerns as they arise, allowing you to make well-informed and confident decisions about your overall health needs.