Does BCBS/Iowa pays for breast reconstruction after lumpectomy?

kksmom3

I know it pays after a mastectomy. I have DCIS, just diagnosed and the surgeon/ rad dr/oncologist suggested lumpectomy, then radiation, then drug treatment.

Problem is, I am very asymmetrical already. I'm a B on the left and an A on the right. My right has the cancer. My cancer, is 6 mm. It is located about an inch under the nipple. I am worried I am going to look SO uneven!! I've been married 40 years, age 61, excellent health otherwise......I don't know what to do!

I am pretty sure I am going to just have the lumpectomy. I have dense breast tissue and am having a bilateral breast MRI next week. I know I could have an implant later, I guess? I will try to find out if it would be covered by my insurance, but if anyone knows or has any thoughts, please advise!

mjb1018

Hey there! I'm not in Iowa, but have Blue Shield. My surgeon (who did my lumpectomy) said that insurance has to cover reconstruction post cancer treatment (for lumpectomy, too) and on the unaffected breast, too, for symmetry. I already have implants, but am asymmetrical post lumpectomy and radiation. Truth be told, except for the dent in my lumpectomy breast, I like it better than the unaffected breast. Ha ha. It's higher and perkier now than the left. At any rate, I know mine would be covered by insurance. I'm just starting to look in to it now. I did not like the plastic surgeon at all, though, who I was referred to. I'm planning on going to my own plastic surgeon, who doesn't even take insurance. I did learn though, that my insurance will reimburse me 50% of the allowable cost. Better than nothing!

kksmom3

I did find out that they will pay for reconstruction if I need it after lumpectomy. Thank you.

mjb1018

Yay! That's great, kksmom3! I was hoping that was the case for you.

MountainMia

hi kksmom. I'm in Iowa, too. How did the surgery go? Were you happy with the results? Where in Iowa did you have it done?