Gynecomastia, a condition in men characterized by abnormally large breasts, can have devastating emotional and social effects. This is particularly true in young boys who may be stigmatized by their peers. However, some insurance companies refuse to pay for surgery to correct the condition, claiming the procedure is cosmetic and not medical.

Recently, the father of a 17-year-old boy with gynecomastia filed a lawsuit against their insurance company—Group Health Incorporated—for refusing to pay for the boy's breast reduction procedure.

The New York Supreme Court and an appellate court both ruled in favor of the boy and his father, calling the boy's condition a “deformity” and ordering the insurance company to reimburse them for the surgery. Of the $7,500, GIH will have to reimburse $5,000.

Interested in learning more about male breast reduction? Please contact us today to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.