Can Military Spouses get Breast Implants for Free?

Medical necessity when there is a breast reduction: Severe chest or back pain, some birth defects and cosmetic deformities may be enough to receive free or discounted breast implants. Military doctors in training, or residents in plastic surgery, must complete a certain number of surgical procedures to fulfill licensing and board certification requirements, including performing breast implant surgery. In some cases, you may be able to get free or discounted surgery, especially at teaching hospitals. There will likely be a long waiting list, however.

Some doctors offer discounts to military members and spouses seeking breast implants, as a courtesy. This is a serious medical procedure and you’ll want to ensure that you do your due diligence.; To find these doctors google “breast implants,” “military discount” and include your location. The TRICARE website provides additional information on breast implants. Correction of a birth defect

• Restoration of a body form following an accidental injury
• Revision of disfiguring and extensive scars resulting from neoplastic surgery (i.e., surgery that removes a tumor or cyst)
• Reconstructive breast surgery following a medically necessary mastectomy
• Reconstructive breast surgery due to a congenital anomaly (birth defect)
• Penile implants and testicular prostheses for conditions resulting from organic origins or for organic impotency
• Surgery to correct pectus excavatum
• Liposuction when medically necessary
• Panniculectomy (tummy tuck) is performed in conjunction with an abdominal or pelvic surgery when a medical review determines that the procedure significantly contributes to the safe and effective correction or improvement of bodily function.

To be covered, surgeries must be performed no later than December 31st of the year following the accidental injury or surgical trauma, except in the case of postmastectomy reconstructive breast surgery or cases involving children who may require a growth period.

TRICARE does not cover cosmetic, reconstructive or plastic surgery related to:

• Dental congenital anomalies
• Elective correction of minor skin blemishes and marks
• Breast augmentation
• Facelifts
• Reduction mammoplasties (breast reductions), except in the case of significant pain due to large breasts
• Blepharoplasty (removal of excess skin of the eyelid)
• Rhinoplasties (nose surgery)
• Chemical peeling for the treatment of facial wrinkles or acne scars
• Hair transplants
• Electrolysis
• Removal of tattoos
• Liposuction for body contouring