I’m 16 almost 17 years old and really want a breast reduction. I’m a 34F and they cause me extreme pain in mid back, shoulders, and where neck and back meet. I get terrible rashes under them and the weight makes me naturally hunch. I’m worried my insurance won’t approve because of my age despite my problems.
Are these bad enough for them to approve me dispute my age?
You should call your insurance company as different companies have different coverage rules. Good luck.
Age typically is not a reason they use for denials. They have a lot of other nonsense criteria
Thank you for your very excellent question. Before doing a breast reduction on someone your age, we want to confirm that you have completed growth. This is usually determined by doing a wrist x-ray to make sure you have completed what’s called “skeletal growth”
Based on what you wrote, your symptoms do qualify. However, every insurance company has their own requirements as what they consider insurance criteria for a breast reduction. It varies greatly with different insurance plans.
You need to call member services for your insurance company and figure out exactly what your requirements are
I serve on a committee for our local Blue Cross company and helped draft the policy language they use. As I have a large experience in breast reduction surgery they wanted my input. Their original language excluded anyone under the age of 18 but I pointed out that many younger patients (like you) can see significant benefit from the procedure. i won that arguement and they eliminated the age limit but their policy guidelines now ask for at least a year of stable breast size before considering breast reduction approval in younger patients. I think that makes sense, as you typically don't want to undergo breast reduction if your breasts are still growing. Hopefully, your local insurer has adopted a similar policy.
See your local plastic surgeon for consultation and they might better be able to tell you if they think the procedure is appropriate and help you with the insurance process. Good luck!