Attention BC'ers

Hi I live in BC Canada and am trying to get information on how (if it's even possible) to get reimbursed from MSP if I have either the Sleeve or the Bypass. If I was to self-pay, is there a chance I can be reimbursed? How did you do it? I don't want to go on the 3-5 year wait list....

Anyone from BC go to Montreal to get your surgery done? I assume you paid.... but did you get money back from MSP? (all, 1/2 or even some of it back?)

I can't find a doctor in BC that does the surgery via the patient pays upfront. I have only found surgeons submit the bill MSP directly and the patient never paid a penny out of pocket ---  but this leads back to having to go on a 3-5 year wait list.

I have tried going to Alberta but my doctor received a letter back from a clinic there stating that they are no longer accepting out-of-province patients. Now granted, this was for being covered. Any BC residents go to Alberta to a private hospital and paid up front (self pay) then submit to MSP and get reimbursed?

I have called MSP myself and they said that they do not cover any bariatric surgeries... ummm I'm confused... then what are all these people of wait lists for then? I have read on so many forums all over the internet that people got theirs covered.

It just seems like all misinformation and I really need to find the exact information I need (whether it is in fact reimbursed or if it is 100% not reimbursed.) I just don't want to miss a crucial step in this process and get the surgery done and then only to find out that I don't get covered because I missed a step (and possibly be because I was misinformed when I contacted MSP)

I am having either the sleeve or bypass regardless but it would be kinda great to get even some of that money back.

any and all tips, information, links, personal experiences, specific forms to submit, lean me in the absolute correct direction... anything would be greatly appreciated!

I have a consult with a doc in Montreal on the 18th, and tentative surgery itself on Sept 21! I am so very pumped that I want to get this done yesterday!!!

again, any tidbit of information that sends my in the right direction to hopefully get this surgery covered and reimbursed would be so appreciated!!!

Thank you in advance and I hope to be "one of you guys" sometime soon (whether I have to pay and get nothing back, you will see me on here again, I can promise you that!)

take care

and I hope all of you are doing fantastic in your weight loss journey!!!!

My guess is that MSP won't cover it. I would imagine that they would only cover the cost of the surgery if it was performed in BC because they offer it.

From the process I went through, it is a methodical approach to making sure you are mentally as well as physically ready for the change that will happen to you. I wasn't 'in the program' for 3-5 years, but over 2. It really all depends on what availability your surgeon has for spots, and how you do with their process. Follow all the rules and show progress, and you'll get your shot.

I personally am glad that they made me wait. It allowed me 'at the time' to fully understand what I was going to be getting myself into, and to give me the time to explain to help my wife and daughter that my decision was going to help the family as a whole, not just me.

Whatever you choose, I wish you the best of luck in your journey, and keep us updated!

I would not think MSP would pay either. I went self Pay out of Smartshape in Ontario. Good experience.

Waited 12 months and still had not gone for my initial surgeon consult with the MSP route. Hopelessly backed up. I hear it is shorter waits in Victoria?

In Prince George you will have difficulty with the wait list and other conditions just due to your distance from all the specialists? Might want to go self pay and get it done? If you can afford it that is?

surgery is one of about 10 things you must change in life. If not it will fail.

Good luck.

For me VSG has been amazing. Money was secondary as I had had enough of the crazy wait times. Life was passing me by. Life is too short to wait IMHO

PS

I lived in PG for many years!