Insurance coverage is one of the biggest concerns among bariatric patients. The fact that your surgeon feels surgery is medically necessary and that you meet the surgical eligibility criteria does not automatically mean that your insurance company will pay for surgery. The surgical coverage benefit is primarily determined by the policy holder’s employer, not the insurance company.

Because insurance companies vary, some may only pay for a specific surgical procedure. The percentage of the total cost that the patient is responsible for paying will also vary depending on the insurance provider and employer. Even if you are in the initial stage of considering weight loss surgery, it may benefit you to know what to expect from your insurance company. We recommend to all patients to call their employer’s HR department or the info lines on the back of their insurance cards. Oregon Weight Loss Surgery, LLC (OWLS) will run an initial benefit check once the application has been received.

Please call (503) 227-5050 or toll free 1-800-617-5004 to speak directly to Cammie or Nina, our insurance specialists.