Weight Loss Surgery Financing Options

SWLC Financing Program

Affordable financing is now available effective September 1st with payments as low as $85 per week with $0 down payment. As part of SWLC's ongoing commitment in providing the highest quality of care to patients, not only will this new service provide assistance to those financing their weight loss procedures, but is also convenient.

Which Medical Expenses Are Eligible for Tax Credits?

We recommend that you consult with a professional financial advisor for advice regarding which medical expenses are eligible for tax credits. You can also refer to the Canada Revenue Agency website for more information:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns300-350/330/llwbl-eng.html
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tp/it519r2-consolid/it519r2-consolid-e.pdf

Third Party Financing

If you choose to finance one of the procedures, this can be arranged through Medicard, which is a company that specializes in financing uninsured medical and cosmetic procedures. The application process is completely confidential. Medicard application forms can be completed online at http://www.medicard.com/disclaimer.php and approval is usually granted within 24 to 48 hours.

The Surgical Weight Loss Centre does not get directly involved in arranging financing and has no financial relationship with Medicard. The details above are provided for information purposes only. You can also consider contacting your local bank or financial institution to discuss financing options.

Registered Health Spending Account (RHSA)

The Registered Health Spending Account (RHSA) is a government approved account that permits small business owners and self-employed individuals to use pre-tax dollars from their company to pay healthcare costs. This provides a substantial reduction in the after-tax cost of Lap-Band surgery.

The Surgical Weight Loss Centre does not get directly involved in coordinating your RHSA account. The details provided above are for information purposes only. For more information on the program or to speak with a client service representative, please contact 1-877-409-2050 or visit www.myRHSA.com.

Situations where there may be additional costs:

A) If your procedure takes place at the Trillium Health Centre

The majority of our patients are candidates to have their procedure performed at the Surgical Weight Loss Centre. However, some patients may require that it be performed at the Trillium Health Centre. This may apply to some patients with a BMI greater than 60, or those who have major co-morbidities, multiple previous abdominal operations and other higher-risk patients. In these specific circumstances there will be additional hospital charges to have the Lap-Band procedure performed at the Trillium Health Centre.

B) Previous weight loss surgery (acceptable candidates)

If you have had a previous bariatric procedure, such as a gastric bypass or a vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), that has not been successful, you may be a candidate for the Lap-Band procedure. We require a copy of the original operative note in order to help determine whether the Lap-Band procedure is a suitable option for you. These patients may require an upper GI endoscopy and/or barium study performed prior to their procedure (these are covered by provincial health plans). There will be additional charges due to the complexity of surgery for those who have had previous bariatric surgery.

C) Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD)

As preparation for the Lap-Band procedure, patients are prescribed at least two weeks of a nutritionally very low calorie diet (VLCD). The purpose of the VLCD is to reduce fat that is stored in the liver, which makes the surgical procedure safer. This product is prescribed by the surgeon and distributed by Minogue Medical in Montreal. Patients will receive a prescription, and instructions on how to have it shipped directly to them at the time of booking their procedure. Some patients may require the VLCD for longer periods of time pre-operatively. For more information on VLCDs , click here.