Question:
PLEASE HELP!!! My sisters insurance does not cover weight loss surgery
She has severe sleep apnea 250lb-4'11", bladder problems, one ankle replaced, the other soon. Several other co-morbids. Is there any way to get her insurance to cover her? She is only 36 with 4 young children. She is a joy, but fading fast in her health. Any suggestions would be so so so appreciated. Thank You, Pam (prdurham) — prdurham (posted on May 19, 2009)
May 19, 2009
I SO feel your pain.....I'm in the same boat with my daughter....37, single
mother of 2...5'5"- 380 pounds.
I've written everyone I can think of to try and help us get this approved
for her. I pray we both have our prayers for our loved ones answered soon.
— Bev B.
May 19, 2009
Maybe someone knows of something that can be done to get her current
insurance to pay. But if nothing else perhaps she can change insurance
companies next open enrollment, if she has that opporunity. Best success.
— Janell C.
May 19, 2009
There are a couple possibilities - but it depends on the
state you live in. I do know that Medicaid (state medical coupons if you
qualify) often pays for the surgery. I didn't qualify for that, but I was
getting to the point where I didn't know if I would be able to continue
working without the surgery, so I went through Department of Vocational
Rehabilitation (might be something different in your state) - took me over
a year as I was the first one they had ever had come to them - but they
paid for it in full! They used me as an example for others, how well I
did, etc. I have heard of other states doing the same thing. It doesn't
hurt to check it out. good luck!
— Wendy M.
May 20, 2009
I'm 56 and took money out of my retirement to pay for this. I wouldn't
have needed retirement if I sayed unhealthy! My girlfriend got her husband
to get a personal loan from his boss that they paid back in 3 years. The
bottom line is that we are each responsible for our own health; the
insurance companies are only responsible for their own bottom line. Do
what you have to do.
— jtoothman
May 20, 2009
Not all insurance will ocver this. She may need to check wih her surgeon
for financing options. I know my surgeon had a plan.
— trible
May 20, 2009
I was very happy with my surgery in Mexico with Dr. Alvarez; see his
website endobariatics.com. It was 10K for vertical sleeve gastrectomy.
— debrakk
May 20, 2009
A lady i know also went through the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
center.Paid for everything And I seen some surgery centers have
finaincing.good luck..kepp us posted.
— carolyn1970
May 21, 2009
I am 56 and have no insurance, was 308 and 5'4'. I chose to do financing
with Capital One medical loans, as I am a single parent of 10 adopted
special needs kids ages 18 months - 28 years, and want to be here for them.
Was approved within 2 hours and it is very low interest and I can pay off
early if I want. It is a five year loan. I am very pleased with my
surgery as it was $17,500, and includes all the 1st year followups and
fills. (I had the Lapband) down 23 lbs in 6 weeks.
Carolyn James
Carolyn James
— Cjames3259
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