Boom! Another client, reimbursed IN FULL by her insurance company! Sound complicated? Believe it or not, it can be easy as pie, and worth $200 or more!
My clients that are having the easiest time getting reimbursed have an Health Savings Account or a Flexible Spending Account. That's not to say that you can't request reimbursement if you don't have these accounts, and its even more important to try if you don't have them.
How to get reimbursed!
First, you might want to check what is covered under your HSA or FSA accounts. See if it covers natural remedies, health supplements, or alternative therapies. You don't need to know these things to apply, but it could come in handy to know just in case you get denied. Each insurance company has reimbursement request forms. You'll need to get a reimbursement form from your insurance company.
Second, talk to your care provider. My clients have requested letters of support from their care providers (midwife or OB). These letters may contain some key words that your insurance company may be looking for, such as "supplement", "natural", or "alternative" remedies. If you have a history of depression, anxiety, or sensitivity to hormonal shifts, your care provider should include that in their notes. They can also simply write a prescription for placenta encapsulation!
Next, you'll need an itemized receipt from your encapsulator for your encapsulation that includes their NPI number (not every doula/encapsulator has one), dates of services including pick up/processing/encapsulation/drop-off, and dates of all payments made.
Finally, you'll need to submit your letter/prescription and itemized receipt attached to your reimbursement form. Then wait for your check in the mail!
Yes, this does mean you have to pay in-full beforehand. Yes, this may mean you run the risk of getting denied and you're stuck with the out-of-pocket expense. Considering the benefits that placenta encapsulation has to offer, I think it is worth the risk of not being reimbursed.
Earlier, I mentioned that if you don't have an HSA or FSA account, that it is even more important that you apply for reimbursement. Even if you get denied, it is important to request so that insurance companies know there is a want and need for this service, and that doctors/midwives are supporting it. Insurance companies aren't likely to cover expenses without seeing this need. So be a part of the change to get these services covered so that ALL women can experience the benefits!
This method may also work to reimburse for birth doula services and postpartum doula services! I have yet to have a client request reimbursement for doula services, but if they do, you'll be the first to know!
Have you had your encapsulation or doula services covered by insurance? If so, I would love to hear your story in the comments below!
To learn more about Placenta Encapsulation go to: www.ProfessionalBirthSupport.com/Placenta-Encapsulation