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Q. How much does the program cost? Q. Will my insurance pay for weight loss? Q. Are there other payment options? Q. Is weight loss tax deductible? Q. Can a flexible spending account (FSA) pay for the program? Q. How much does the program cost?We want you to know exactly how much your program will cost before you enroll for any of our programs. Because we create a program specifically for you, the exact cost will vary depending the number of weeks you will be enrolled, the calorie level of your diet and the medical monitoring that is required. During your initial consultation we will provide you with an exact breakdown of your program and the cost involved. We will also give you details of payment options that you may be eligible for. Keep in mind that while you are in the weight loss and transition phases of the program, you will not have to spend as much money on groceries as we will be providing you with a complete food replacement formula. Along with these food savings, reducing your weight may reduce the cost of medications that you are currently taking. Return to top » Q. Will my insurance pay for weight loss?Without knowing the specifics of your insurance it is difficult for us to say. It will depend on what kind of insurance policy your employer has negotiated with the insurance carrier. Many employees have alternative plans to choose from, so it may also depend on what plan you have chosen. Other factors that may influence your ability to receive reimbursement include:
Because of the complexity and expense related to insurance reimbursement, we do not accept any insurance reimbursement at our clinic. All of our fees are paid directly by our customers. We are very happy to give you information for you to give to your insurance company, or to answer any questions they may have. Return to top » Q. Are there other payment options?There are a variety of payment options available for your program. We do not expect you to pay for the cost of the program up front and we never ask you to start a program until we give you all the facts about the costs. During your initial consultation we will provide you with an exact breakdown of your program and the cost involved. We will also give you details of payment options that you may be eligible for. These options may include monthly payment plans, financing, and discounts on complete payments. We understand that the cost of the program is a major consideration for you so talk to us about it and let us help you find a suitable solution. Return to top » Q. Is weight loss tax deductible?Yes, most of it. As of April 7, 2002, the IRS will allow people who are diagnosed by a physician as being obese to deduct the costs of the services in this program. The revenue ruling, IR 2002-19, approves the fees related to services (i.e. medical services and nutrition education meetings) when they are occurring for medically valid reasons. A person must be under the guidance of a physician in order to qualify. The ruling does not cover the cost for foods or food replacements (ie. OPTIFAST), which people would have to pay for regardless of their weight. The ruling was intended for taxpayers claiming medical expenses in excess of 7.5% of their adjusted gross income as a personal deduction on individual taxes. It is important to note the ruling does not apply to weight loss services that are aimed at improving a person's appearance or general health. Those services are non-deductible, and health clubs and spas are not viable treatment options under this ruling. The IRS ruling is currently available online at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-02-19.pdf . Q.Can a flexible spending account (FSA) pay for the program?People who have a Medical FSA can use their current year plan to pay for eligible weight loss expenses. The key to FSA claims is proper documentation from a physician stating the diagnosis of obesity and its treatment program. For further information, contact a tax advisor. Return to top » |
2093 Health Drive Suite 302
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Victory Institute for Weight Management is a medical weight management center providing comprehensive weight loss programs to the residents of Jenison, Michigan and surrounding areas. Founded by doctors Kevin Furlong, D.O., Matthew Blair, D.O., and Adam Wolfe, D.O., The clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss that includes medical monitoring, behavioral modification, nutritional counseling, supervised exercise training, and OPTIFAST® products for individuals who desire a Serious Solution for Weight Loss™. Copyright © 2006 Victory Institute for Weight Management | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Website developed by ifXmedical |
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