Okay, so I’ve been thinking a lot about my skin lately. You know, getting older and all that stuff. I started noticing some fine lines and a few spots that weren’t there before. It’s all part of life, but I figured I’d see what my options were, just out of curiosity. So I started to look into this whole cosmetic dermatology thing.
First, I called my insurance company. I mean, that’s the logical first step, right? “Hey,” I said, “does my plan cover any of this cosmetic dermatology stuff?” The lady on the phone was nice enough, but basically, she told me that they mostly only cover things that are “medically necessary.” She started using all of these phrases, like how a doctor would have to say it is medically necessary and such.
What Is Medically Necessary?
So, that got me thinking, what the heck does “medically necessary” even mean? I did some digging. Turns out, it’s when a doctor says you need a treatment for a real medical issue, not just because you want to look a bit younger or smoother. Fair enough, I guess.
- I called a few dermatology clinics near me. Just wanted to get a feel for what they offered and what the prices were like. Most places were pretty upfront about it.
- They explained that insurance usually covers things like treating skin cancer, eczema, and severe acne. But stuff like Botox, fillers, and laser treatments for wrinkles? Nope, not usually covered.
- One clinic even had a little brochure that broke it all down. It was helpful to see it in writing.
I even checked with Medicare, since my mom uses it, and they said pretty much the same thing. It has to be something your doctor says you need for your health, not just for looks.
So, long story short, I learned that insurance isn’t likely to help with the cosmetic side of dermatology. I mean, it makes sense, they need to prioritize the health stuff. I get it, I really do. If you are worried about your skin, hair, or nails, and it is a health concern, it sounds like you’re good, but if you want to make yourself look better, be prepared to pay out of pocket. I decided I am not ready to throw down that kind of cash, so I’m sticking with my regular skincare routine for now!
It was a good little learning experience, though. Now I know what’s what in the world of cosmetic dermatology and insurance. Might revisit it all in a few years, who knows? But for now, I’m cool with how things are. I’m just going to keep focusing on staying healthy and happy, and that includes taking care of my skin, even if it is just with some good old moisturizer and sunscreen.
