The Elipse, now branded as the Allurion Program, offers a non-surgical approach to weight management using a temporary gastric balloon. The device is swallowed in a capsule and does not require endoscopy or anesthesia for placement or removal. The cost of the program is not a simple device fee but a bundled price. This comprehensive fee includes a support system designed to help ensure long-term success.
Understanding the All-Inclusive Program Fee
The Elipse program is structured as a single, all-inclusive fee, reflecting the bundled nature of the treatment. The typical national cost range in the United States falls between $6,000 and $9,500. This price represents the full package of care, including the device, the procedure, and mandated post-placement support. The fee covers the four months the balloon remains in the stomach, plus the extended lifestyle program that follows.
The concept of an “all-inclusive” fee is a deliberate aspect of the program’s design, moving away from a simple medical device transaction. This pricing model incorporates the physical components and the professional services necessary for effective weight loss. The value proposition centers on comprehensive support intended to help patients establish sustainable habits. Since the Elipse is a temporary tool, the long-term coaching component is integral to achieving lasting results.
This bundled cost contrasts sharply with surgical weight loss options, which involve separate fees for the surgeon, facility, and anesthesia. The transparency of the single program fee simplifies financial planning for patients. While the core price is fixed by the clinic, the final quoted amount can vary based on the specific services and professionals involved locally. This upfront structure helps patients understand the total investment required for the four-month device placement and the subsequent support period.
Services Included in the Elipse Cost Structure
The program fee incorporates the cost of the Elipse gastric balloon device, a soft, saline-filled shell that occupies volume in the stomach to promote satiety. The placement procedure is also covered, which involves swallowing the capsule and then using fluoroscopy, or real-time X-ray imaging, to confirm the correct position and inflation of the balloon. This necessary medical expense ensures proper and safe placement without the need for traditional endoscopy.
A major component of the fee is the suite of connected digital tools provided to the patient. This technology often includes a smart scale and a health tracker smartwatch. These tools automatically sync data with the patient’s mobile app to monitor progress, including weight, body composition, and activity levels. This digital integration facilitates remote oversight by the care team and allows for continuous tracking and personalized feedback.
The all-inclusive cost covers mandatory nutritional and lifestyle coaching, which typically lasts for at least six months. This support involves regular consultations with a dietitian, physician, and nurse to address dietary changes and habit modification. The professional guidance educates the patient on portion control and healthy eating. These are the foundations for maintaining weight loss after the balloon has passed naturally.
Key Factors Driving Price Variation
Geographical location is a significant driver of price differences for the Elipse program, as clinical overhead varies widely across markets. Clinics in major metropolitan areas generally have higher fees to cover facility rent, staff salaries, and administrative expenses. Conversely, providers in smaller or suburban regions may offer the program at the lower end of the national price range.
The specific type of clinical provider also influences the final quote. A specialized bariatric center may price the program differently than a general weight loss clinic or a gastroenterology practice. Centers with high-level accreditations or extended facility amenities might have a higher program fee.
The duration and intensity of the included professional support also create price variation. While a six-month coaching program is standard, some providers offer extended support periods, such as nine or twelve months of follow-up care. A longer commitment to dietitian and psychological support increases the overall package price. Additional local fees, such as pre-program lab work or facility charges for the placement visit, can also contribute to the final quoted price.
Navigating Insurance and Payment Options
The Elipse Balloon program is generally not covered by major health insurance carriers, including commercial plans and government programs like Medicare. This lack of coverage occurs because the procedure is often classified as an elective weight-loss treatment rather than a medically necessity-driven intervention. Patients should anticipate paying the full program fee out-of-pocket, which makes understanding payment logistics a necessary step.
Since the procedure is not typically covered, patients often use financing options offered by the clinic or through third-party medical financing companies. These plans allow the total cost to be broken down into manageable monthly payments. Zero or low-interest promotional periods can make this option financially accessible to a wider patient base.
Alternative payment methods include utilizing pre-tax funds from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). These accounts allow patients to use tax-advantaged money for qualified medical expenses, which often includes non-covered procedures. Patients should confirm with their plan administrators that the procedure qualifies for HSA or FSA reimbursement before committing.