Question:
From CA. who can I contact for help for a friend?

I have had the RNY a yr ago, but have a friend who is very obese and desperately needs this surgery to live. His ins. co. repeatedly denies him even with letters from his doctors. Does ANYONE know where he can turn to for help? He has been in and out of the hospital with related problems, so his finances are meager, but if he doesn't get help soon, I'm afraid he'll die.    — Judy P. (posted on April 19, 2000)

April 20, 2000
Judy, your friend may qualify for Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program. Medi-Cal covers WLS if a patient has significant, life-threatening co-morbidities, which it sounds like your friend does! Depending on his income, he may qualify for free or share-of-cost care. It may be worth it to your friend to go on disability in order to qualify for Medi-Cal. If he lives in Los Angeles County, write to me and I will give you information about who to contact for assistance with this. Best of luck -
   — Kim H.