What are My Payment Options?
Self Pay
Everybody is diverse and has different needs. The investment that you make depends on your individual requirements and the level of medical supervision required. We accept cash, checks, and most credit cards.
Weekly: With an initial down payment upon registration, then weekly payments for services and products received at that time are collected.
Monthly with an initial down payment, then fees are collected about every 4 weeks.
Discounted: When 100% of the fees paid at the beginning of a program, participants will receive a 10% discount on the entire program.
Our free informational seminar provides in-depth information regarding treatment options, investments, payments, and tax deductions
Medical Tax Deductions
As of April 7, 2002, the IRS allows people 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). The ruling does not cover the cost for food, which people would have to pay for regardless of their weight. Ask a tax accountant if you are eligible.
Typical Deductions?
• Fees to join a program
• Fees for periodic meetings
• Lab fees
• Examinations by health care professionals
What is not deductible?
• Weight loss programs undertaken to improve one’s general health or appearance
• Weight loss or diet foods
• Health clubs and spa dues or fees
Insurance Reimbursement
Insurance carriers are inconsistent and vary greatly in their policies regarding claim payment for weight management programs, and in general, most insurance companies do not reimburse for weight loss services, supplies and maintenance fees. Because of this, with the exception of SmartPlan holders, St. John Weight Loss Institute does not do any third party billing from insurance companies. However, we are happy to provide participants any paperwork, letters, or documentation to help individuals seek reimbursement.
SmartPlan Reimbursement Guidelines
1. Participant is an active SmartPlan or SmartPlan PPOM holder.
2. Participant must have a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 OR a BMI that is greater than or equal to 27 with one or more of the following co-morbid conditions (documentation from a physician must be provided at the time of enrollment to verify that one of the following conditions exists.):
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetes mellitus Type 2
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (Pickwickian syndrome)
• Hypertension (systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 0 mm Hg on more than one occasion
• Dyslipidemia
What benefits are included for medical weight loss?
• 50% of the medical cost of a SmartPlan physician-supervised weight loss programs at St. John Weight Loss Institute by Smart Plan and 20% of products are covered by the program itself.
What are not covered benefits?
• Weight loss drugs
• Nutrition/dietitian & exercise services
• Diet supplements and/or meal replacements
• Other weight loss programs including (Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, etc.)
What are the Limitations ?
One per member per lifetime for comprehensive weight loss
Participant may use funds in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for weight loss expenses as well. This excludes the cost of food or food supplements.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
If you have a Medical FSA for the current year, you are eligible to pay for your weight loss expenses. Documentation from a physician stating the diagnosis of obesity and its treatment program is the key to FSA claims. Your tax advisor and/or human resources contact would be able to give you more information on this topic.