Laser hair removal is a permanent way of eliminating unwanted hair that works by damaging its source rather than cutting away at it with scissors or waxing. Although multiple sessions may be required for optimal results, it is typically considered cosmetic surgery.
Laser hair removal, unlike many cosmetic surgeries, isn’t typically covered by private insurance policies; patients will be expected to cover its cost out-of-pocket.
1. Medically Necessary
Laser hair removal is a method in which light energy destroys melanin in hair follicles to stop regrowth, creating smoother, less-textured areas of skin on the body. While this procedure can be painful for patients with low pain tolerance, topical anesthetic may help ease any discomfort during treatments. In addition, prior to each session patients should use sunblock with an SPF rating greater than 30 and refrain from plucking or waxing the area beforehand.
Based on your reason for seeking laser hair removal, some private insurance providers may cover it; however, most consider it cosmetic surgery and do not cover it. If seeking coverage is essential to you, make an appointment with both your physician and insurance provider for advice and assistance before undertaking this procedure.
Individuals looking for laser hair removal should select a board certified specialist in dermatology or cosmetic surgery who has experience performing the treatment on the specific area being targeted. Furthermore, spas and salons that allow nonmedical personnel to perform the process may pose safety concerns; in such cases, the physician should remain present during treatments to ensure patient protection.
Patients seeking medical treatments should also be aware that most insurance policies require prior authorization before scheduling an appointment for any service deemed medically necessary. This is particularly the case for managed care plans like Medicare Advantage Plans, One Care Organizations, Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Organizations and Accountable Care Partnership Plans (ACPP).
Though patients should be mindful that their insurance may not cover laser hair removal services, it’s also essential they understand its long-term savings potential. Studies indicate that women spend upwards of $23,000 over their lifetime on waxing and other hair removal methods like waxing; those opting for laser hair removal could save much of this money while enjoying smoother skin with laser.
2. Medically Necessary for Gender Dysphoria
Gender dysphoria refers to conditions that cause people to feel as though their gender does not correspond with their sex, typically male or female. It includes body hair removal and hormone treatments – something some states have taken steps to address through Medicaid programs which allow transgender and non-binary individuals access gender affirming care.
Medicaid has stated that any treatments or surgeries considered medically necessary to help individuals transition to their self-identified gender will be covered, including any necessary chest surgeries, genital surgeries and facial surgeries. Furthermore, other procedures such as electrolysis (CPT 17380) or laser hair removal (CPT 17110 or 17111) for pre-surgical preparation on skin graft sites will also be covered.
Some states prohibit coverage of gender-affirming procedures; most do not. Furthermore, the Obama administration issued a rule clarifying that health insurance plans must not discriminate against transgender and non-binary individuals in any way – including by refusing coverage for specific treatments.
However, many private health insurance policies still exclude or limit coverage of gender-affirming care. According to an analysis by the LGBT Civil Rights Coalition of 51 Medicaid policies that were studied, 10 explicitly excluded gender-affirming treatments while 19 remained silent and 3 did not cover this procedure.
Some policies even require prior authorization before covering the cost of gender-affirming treatments, according to CDC reports. Such policies may be discriminatory when they limit what procedures an individual can access.
Thankfully, many restrictions aren’t legally enforceable. For example, the Internal Revenue Service lost a lawsuit brought by Legal Aid Society and Sylvia Rivera Law Project when they attempted to ban tax deductions for gender reassignment surgery expenses and related expenses.
Even when faced with legal complications, it is vital to review your individual policy to understand how it defines “medically necessary”. Also keep in mind that you can use flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts to cover treatments like laser hair removal.
3. Medically Necessary for Pregnancy
laser hair removal offers permanent hair removal without shaving or waxing, although multiple sessions and touch-up treatments may be needed to achieve maximum effectiveness. Therefore, laser hair removal should be seen as an investment – though initially more costly than shaving or waxing treatments in terms of cost, long term savings could make up the difference in cost savings.
Laser hair removal costs can depend on several factors, including treatment area and skin color. Labor and materials costs may also increase depending on your location.
However, there may be situations in which laser hair removal may be covered by insurance. One such instance is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal imbalance commonly experienced by women that may result in the growth of masculine-styled hair growth known as hirsutism – many women living with PCOS experience this hair growth and need long-term hair reduction treatments such as laser hair removal to remedy their symptoms. At VCC, we have assisted many patients gain coverage through their insurance providers so they may benefit from laser hair reduction treatments with us at VCC.
No matter whether or not you qualify for insurance coverage, it is always advisable to visit a qualified specialist prior to beginning any treatment plan. They will assess your individual needs and suggest the most effective solutions.
Though you are unlikely to use your health insurance to cover the expense of laser hair removal, there are other ways you may be able to cover it. Ask your provider if they accept medical credit cards or offer patient payment plans; or use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA/HSA). However, taking this route could incur penalties if your expenses exceed contribution limits.
4. Medically Necessary for Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is an efficient, quick way to quickly reduce unwanted body and facial hair. Compared to traditional methods such as shaving, waxing and plucking which can be painful and time consuming; laser provides instantaneous results and is FDA-approved; it can be used anywhere on the body such as armpits, back face, legs chin or bikini area.
Laser hair removal should only be carried out by medical professionals with adequate training. When selecting a provider, choose one who specializes in dermatology or cosmetic surgery; additionally they should have experience performing laser hair removal treatments on skin types specific to you. Avoid spas or salons offering treatments without supervision from a physician.
Consultations allow doctors to evaluate your skin and hair, and assess if you are suitable for laser hair removal. In an average laser session, a trained technician or physician will apply topical anesthetic before targeting unwanted hair with laser beams to destroy its follicle and thus inhibit future hair growth. Multiple sessions at four-six week intervals may be needed for best results; you may even require annual touch up sessions afterwards to prevent future regrowth of unwanted hair.
Some private health plans may cover laser hair removal if it is medically necessary, though you should discuss this with your insurance provider first for guidance and more information about this request. You could also check with your doctor to see if he/she recommends an insurer offering coverage for this procedure.
Laser hair removal may not be covered by Medicare or Medicaid, but it remains an attractive solution for anyone wanting a fast and convenient way to remove unwanted hair. While its costs vary widely, you could save money over time by eliminating depilation products while cutting shaving or waxing time significantly. You should consider setting aside money in a flexible spending account in order to pay for this procedure.
