Considering self pay

I recently found out that my insurance does not pay for WLS. I do not have the money to self pay but that is my only option at this point.  Anyone have any $$$ amounts?  I am considering an RNY. Thank you for any feedback!

Mine was all total, about $40K. That's not what the insurance paid though. All I can say is NEGOTIATE! Insurance companies never pay full-price, so why should you? Talk to the doctor's office to see what they would accept. Talk to the hospital too. When I helped a lady get RNY through VR, I was able to get discounts all over. Talk to everyone, even the labs. I saw a sign at the lab I go to yesterday, that they would give you 1/2 off if you paid that day.  P.S. Have you ever  tried Vocational Rehabilitation? We're a state agency that helps people with service to help them enter or maintain employment. If you go that route, talk to me, I can give you some tips.

Welcome to ObesityHelp & to the Indiana board! Sherri

Only certain surgeons will allow self pay for check that out first.   My insurance company wouldnt pay for me because I didnt have a BMI of 40 and so I would have needed to GAIN weight and stay that way for 3 years and then do a supervised diet for 6months to lose weight ............. HA!!!   (blue cross blue shield) So, I did self pay and it was $28,000 I did it in Goshen Indiana with Team Bariatrics - Dr Murphy

Hi, my doc was Dr Murphy in goshen too :)  I was also a self pay for Lap Band. It was about $20,000 and I was able to set it up in instalments. Check out all your options, usually surgeions will have a specialized rate for self-pay customers. Good Luck, and welcome to the 'board' Hope

Welcome to the board!  There are a lot of people here to encourage you and help you through the process. Fortunately, my insurance did cover mine.  The total cost billed to them was $39,000.  Knowing what I do now, I encourage you to investigate everything you can.  This surgery has been life saving and life changing for me.  I no longer have diabetes, no sleep apnea, no high blood pressure.  I don't have to take hormone replacements because my ovaries have decided to start functioning again (no uterus though so no babies in the future).  It has been worth every penny even though I didn't have to spend much.

One way to look at this is...it's an investment in your future and your health.  Some people spend $40K on a vehicle.  The surgery is a much better investment if you ask me. Just my .02 Good luck! Jacqui

Welcome to the boards! Did your insurance company deny it? Have you called them directly? When I first started this journey, I couldn't find anything on my co's website to say if they covered it or not, so I called customer service.  After about 15 minutes, she verified our plan, and they are covering m surgery, less deductibles ($1500).  We have BCBS of Texas, but I also know that every plan and employer has different coverages. Good luck, and I know you can find a way!

I am going to Dr. Trace Curry in Cincinatti. I am doing the Band  He has a special deal worked out with Jewish Hospital and it is only $12,585 plus $400 for the consult / pre surgery Diet which is medifast. This also includes 2 years of fills. His office is a Bariatric center of excellence. They are very strict on doing things right, They make you take a nutrition class and do homework. He has done more lap bands than anyone else in Ohio.Here is his website. http://www.thebanddoctor.com/default

Hi  My insuranse said our employer excluded this from coverage. I self paid at  ST. VINCENT hospital at Carmel IN. My doctor is DR. HUSE. I paid his fee up front was $ 5,000 plus $225. consult fee at the beginning. I also paid the hospital $ 20,000 bringing the total to $25,225..This is everything unless there is complications and require more than a two day stay. My surgery is in two weeks. Good Luck to you  Dave