A False Economy – Health Funds reconsidering Bariatric Surgery Cover

This morning on Health Matters I spoke with Dr John Darcy about my progress since being “banded” 9 months ago… This time last year, I was in the serious contemplation stage of getting the band and doing all my research about it… Obviously some of that research included the cost for the procedure, and how much of it was covered by my Health Fund, or if in fact like some people I applied to my Superannuation fund to withdraw the amount to cover it.
I chose the Health Fund option, but now 12 months on, the uncertainty continues about Health insurance funds and their continuing coverage for this and other forms of ‘life-saving’ Bariatric Surgery.
Why are they doing this? - The effects and benefits of weight loss by people who have this surgery now, will cost them much less than if they refuse to cover this surgery
Without this surgery to help the morbidly obese loose weight - they face a certain future, which could include the risks of heart attack, disease and relegated problems; stroke; high blood pressure; Diabetes; Osteoarthritis, and sleep apnoea to name a few… All the costs related to these diseases and their management far outweigh the $10,000 it costs a health fund per person to get ‘banded’.
The cost of a band without Health insurance is in the vicinity of $12-$15,000. The cost to those with Health insurance (me included) is $5,000. Now while that seems a lot (and it is), the health benefits of the weight loss is enormous.
I can calculate conservatively that over the last 22 years of my working life I have probably contributed over $50000 to my health funds, which I changed over to from my parents once I started working.  Apart from the lap band surgery, I might have claimed another $5000, over the 20 years for specialist, pharmaceutical and other related claims – when you look at it that way, it sometimes makes you wonder why you’re in the fund.
The Government and Health Funds continuously go on about the need for us to become a healthier society. We’ll some people need a hand – me included. I tried everything before this, with little success. Since the Band my life has changed.
Apart from the physical benefits of weight loss following surgery, the psychological benefits too are enormous.
It changes people’s lives for the better.
No longer are they in danger of becoming a burden to the already crumbling heath & welfare systems; or their families with many and varied ailments relating to obesity.
I will admit, I had some pretty low days when I was a big boy. I wouldn’t want to do anything; I didn’t like the look of myself. I had the potential to head for that spiralling downhill depression.
No I go out and grab life with both hands… I am happier and more content within myself, and even contemplate doing things that in the past I would never have done.
Health funds need to take note - $10k is a SMALL price to pay to give back a life.