Does the Military Pay for Boob Jobs?
The question of whether the military pays for boob jobs, also known as breast augmentations, is a common one among potential and current military personnel. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on several factors, including the individual’s circumstances, the military branch, and the type of procedure. In this article, we will explore the complexities of military funding for breast augmentations.
Who is Eligible for Military Funding?
Not all military personnel are eligible for breast augmentation procedures. To be eligible, individuals must meet specific criteria, including:
- Being a member of the active duty military
- Being a veteran or retired from the military
- Being a military dependent (spouse or child)
- Having a service-connected injury or condition that affects the breasts
Types of Breast Augmentations Covered by the Military
The military covers specific types of breast augmentations, including:
- Reconstruction: Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure to rebuild or reconstruct the breast(s) after a mastectomy, trauma, or other surgical procedures.
- Revision: Revision surgeries are performed to correct or improve previous breast augmentation procedures.
- Breast Reduction: Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the breasts, often performed to alleviate physical discomfort or to improve appearance.
Breast Augmentations Not Covered by the Military
The military does not cover:
- Cosmetic Breast Augmentations: Breast augmentations performed solely for cosmetic purposes, such as to improve appearance or to enhance self-esteem, are not covered.
- Breast Enhancement: Breast enhancement procedures, such as implants or lifts, performed to improve breast size or shape, are not covered.
- Breast Reconstruction for Non-Service-Connected Injuries: Breast reconstruction procedures performed for injuries or conditions not related to military service are not covered.
How to Apply for Military Funding
To apply for military funding for breast augmentations, individuals must follow these steps:
- Submit a Claim: Submit a claim to the military’s claims processing center, explaining the reason for the procedure and providing supporting medical documentation.
- Get Pre-Approval: Obtain pre-approval from the military’s medical authority before undergoing the procedure.
- Attend a Consultation: Attend a consultation with a military-approved surgeon to discuss the procedure and its benefits.
Funding Options
The military offers several funding options for breast augmentations, including:
- TRICARE: TRICARE is a military health insurance program that covers medical procedures, including breast augmentations, for active duty personnel and their families.
- Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA provides funding for breast augmentations for veterans and their spouses, subject to certain eligibility criteria.
- Military Assistance Program: The Military Assistance Program provides financial assistance for breast augmentations for active duty personnel and their families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military does pay for breast augmentations, but only under specific circumstances and for specific types of procedures. Eligibility criteria include being a member of the active duty military, a veteran, or a military dependent, and having a service-connected injury or condition that affects the breasts. By understanding the types of procedures covered, the funding options available, and the eligibility criteria, individuals can make informed decisions about their breast augmentation options.
Table: Eligibility Criteria for Military Funding
Eligibility Criteria | Description |
---|---|
Active Duty | Member of the active duty military |
Veteran | Retired from the military |
Military Dependent | Spouse or child of a military member |
Service-Connected Injury/Condition | Injury or condition related to military service |
Table: Types of Breast Augmentations Covered by the Military
Type of Procedure | Description |
---|---|
Reconstruction | Breast reconstruction after mastectomy or trauma |
Revision | Correction or improvement of previous breast augmentation procedures |
Breast Reduction | Reduction of breast size to alleviate physical discomfort or improve appearance |
Table: Funding Options for Breast Augmentations
Funding Option | Description |
---|---|
TRICARE | Military health insurance program for active duty personnel and families |
Veterans Affairs (VA) | Funding for breast augmentations for veterans and spouses |
Military Assistance Program | Financial assistance for breast augmentations for active duty personnel and families |