RESOURCES
Breast Reduction Insurance Resources
If your breast reduction is considered medically necessary (rather than cosmetic) and you meet your insurance provider’s guidelines, they may cover the cost of your surgery. At Harris Plastic Surgery, we have decades of experience working with major insurance providers like NYSHIP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and more.
Our team can coordinate pre-authorization for your procedure and help to keep your out-of-pocket costs as low as possible.
Quick Answers
Does insurance cover breast reduction?
Yes, many insurance plans may cover breast reduction when it is considered medically necessary rather than cosmetic. Coverage requirements vary by plan, but insurers commonly look for documentation of symptoms such as chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain, skin irritation, or limitations on daily activities.
How do I get insurance to cover breast reduction?
Start by scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs breast reductions. At Harris Plastic Surgery, we can assess your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments and determine whether your procedure may qualify for coverage. If so, we can submit a prior authorization request with supporting medical records and other documentation required by your insurance plan.
What insurance companies cover breast reduction?
Many major insurance companies, including plans from Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, may cover breast reduction. However, coverage depends on your specific policy and whether you meet its medical-necessity requirements. The name of the insurance company alone does not determine whether your procedure will be covered.
Can I use out-of-network benefits?
Yes. If your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may be able to receive coverage for breast reduction from an out-of-network surgeon. Before scheduling surgery, contact your insurer to confirm your out-of-network benefits and whether prior authorization is required.
Insurance Provider Directory
NYSHIP Empire Plan Breast Reduction Coverage- Aetna Breast Reduction Coverage and Requirements
- Breast Reduction BCBS Policy, Requirements, and Coverage
- Breast Reduction BCBS FEP (Federal Employee Program)
- Cigna Breast Reduction Coverage and Requirements
- Emblem HealthBreast Reduction Coverage and Requirements
Dr. Stephen Harris, MD FACS
Dr. Stephen U. Harris is a board-certified plastic surgeon and recognized expert in breast reduction and reconstruction surgeries, having performed thousands in his career. When it comes to patient care, his philosophy is that every surgery should improve his patient’s overall quality of life, not just their appearance.
Dr. Harris stays up-to-date on all the latest advancements in breast augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction and is a recognized innovator in the field. Dr. Harris also serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York, and is an active staff surgeon (and former Chief of Plastic Surgery) at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, New York.
Joanne Parrinello, Practice Manager
Joanne Parrinello is an expert patient care coordinator with two decades of experience navigating the complex financial side of medically necessary breast reduction and reconstruction surgery. She acts as a guide to patients, helping them understand their options and their expected out-of-pocket expenses.
The insurance industry can be complex and filled with jargon that makes you feel like you need a translator. At Harris Plastic Surgery, Joanne is that translator.
Results That Change Lives
Dr. Harris’s before-and-after gallery shows real results from real Long Island and NYC patients, including cases of ptosis, asymmetry, shoulder grooving, and skin irritation. What the photos cannot capture is what patients describe after surgery: chronic back and neck pain that finally stops, posture that improves on its own, workouts they could never do before, and clothes that finally fit the way they should.
Schedule a Consultation
If our breast reduction insurance resources haven’t answered all your questions, schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Harris. Our team will listen to your goals, assess your candidacy, address any concerns you have, and walk through your insurance coverage options.
Reach out to our office to schedule your consultation to learn more. You can also contact us by phone/text.