Does the Military Pay for Cosmetic Surgery?
The United States military offers various benefits to its personnel, including medical care and surgery for both physical and mental health conditions. However, there is often confusion about whether the military covers cosmetic surgery. In this article, we will delve into the topic and provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
What is Cosmetic Surgery?
Before we dive into the military’s policies, it’s essential to define what cosmetic surgery entails. Cosmetic surgery refers to surgical procedures aimed at enhancing a person’s physical appearance, such as nose jobs, breast augmentations, and facelifts. These procedures are often performed for aesthetic purposes, rather than to treat a medical condition or improve functionality.
Does the Military Pay for Cosmetic Surgery?
The short answer is no, the military does not typically pay for cosmetic surgery. However, there are some exceptions and considerations to keep in mind.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the military does not cover cosmetic surgery in general, there are specific situations where it may approve and pay for certain procedures. These include:
• Reconstructive surgery: The military will cover reconstructive surgery if it is deemed medically necessary to repair or restore damaged tissues, such as skin, muscles, or bones, as a result of injury or disease.
• Treatment of injuries: If a service member suffers a severe injury during duty, the military may cover surgery to repair or replace damaged tissue, even if the primary purpose is to improve appearance rather than functionality.
• Breast reconstruction: Following a mastectomy or other breast surgery, the military may cover breast reconstruction as part of its benefits package.
• Psychological or mental health benefits: In some cases, the military may approve cosmetic surgery as part of treatment for psychological or mental health conditions, such as body dysmorphic disorder or PTSD.
Eligibility and Approval Process
If a service member wants to undergo cosmetic surgery, they must meet specific eligibility criteria and go through an approval process. This typically involves:
• Obtaining a medical referral: The service member must consult with a military physician, who will assess the necessity of the procedure and provide a medical referral.
• Filing a claim: The service member must file a claim with their health insurance provider, detailing the medical justification for the procedure.
• Review and approval: The claim will be reviewed by the military’s healthcare system, and approval is granted if the procedure meets the eligibility criteria.
Cosmetic Surgery Costs and Coverage
If the military approves a cosmetic surgery procedure, the service member will typically be responsible for a portion of the costs, depending on their health insurance plan. The military’s TRICARE insurance program covers a significant portion of medical expenses, but it may not cover all costs associated with cosmetic surgery.
Table: Estimated Costs of Common Cosmetic Procedures
| Procedure | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Rhinoplasty (nose job) | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Breast augmentation | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Liposuction | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Facelift | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Tummy tuck | $3,000 – $6,000 |
Conclusion
In summary, the military does not typically pay for cosmetic surgery, unless it is deemed medically necessary for reconstructive or therapeutic purposes. While there are exceptions, service members should be aware of the eligibility criteria and approval process for cosmetic surgery. It’s essential to consult with a military physician and file a claim to determine if the procedure is covered under their health insurance plan.
Important Notes
- Cosmetic surgery is not covered by the military’s TRICARE insurance program unless it meets specific medical criteria.
- Service members may need to pay out-of-pocket for cosmetic surgery procedures not deemed medically necessary.
- Reconstructive surgery may be covered by the military if it is deemed medically necessary to repair or restore damaged tissues.
- Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy may be covered by the military as part of its benefits package.
By understanding the military’s policies on cosmetic surgery, service members can make informed decisions about their medical care and coverage.
