Insurance Questions - just getting started
Hi all -
I've been reading info on this site for the last few weeks now, but have finally gotten the courage to post 
A bit of background - I'm 22 years old, been overweight most of my walking life and am now the heaviest I've ever been (well over 300 lbs). My Mom had bariatric surgery almost 2 years ago and has had great success and after much thought I'd decided that it's something I want to do as well.
I made an appt with my PCP at the beginning of January and she agreed I was a great candidate for it. I have CHP so my Dr went over the 12 month procedure with me (wasn't too thrilled about it, but oh well) only to find out from the office staff that CHP no longer covers this type of surgery. I am pretty disheartened since I'm faced with such a big road block this early on in the process! I must admit I'm INCREDIBLY envious of the folks that have approval for the surgery within a matter of a couple months.
I called the surgeon's office here in town to ask what they recommended I do, since I'm sure a lot of other people with CHP are having the same trouble I am. Her only advice was to pay for it out of pocket, and that I could talk to someone at the office about financing plans they have available. Does anyone have any experience with insurance that doens't cover the surgery? Any other options? What about those that have paid for the surgery out of pocket - what's the rough cost?
At 22, I'm not sure if paying for a $20,000+ surgery out of pocket is feasilbe, but I'd like to get some info from here before I talk to the Drs office. I've also begun hounding my work about it. I am in a small enough office that I might be able to have some pull in changing insurances, but then again don't know how hard of a process that would be.
I guess I'm just a little lost, any encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
MB
A bit of background - I'm 22 years old, been overweight most of my walking life and am now the heaviest I've ever been (well over 300 lbs). My Mom had bariatric surgery almost 2 years ago and has had great success and after much thought I'd decided that it's something I want to do as well.
I made an appt with my PCP at the beginning of January and she agreed I was a great candidate for it. I have CHP so my Dr went over the 12 month procedure with me (wasn't too thrilled about it, but oh well) only to find out from the office staff that CHP no longer covers this type of surgery. I am pretty disheartened since I'm faced with such a big road block this early on in the process! I must admit I'm INCREDIBLY envious of the folks that have approval for the surgery within a matter of a couple months.
I called the surgeon's office here in town to ask what they recommended I do, since I'm sure a lot of other people with CHP are having the same trouble I am. Her only advice was to pay for it out of pocket, and that I could talk to someone at the office about financing plans they have available. Does anyone have any experience with insurance that doens't cover the surgery? Any other options? What about those that have paid for the surgery out of pocket - what's the rough cost?
At 22, I'm not sure if paying for a $20,000+ surgery out of pocket is feasilbe, but I'd like to get some info from here before I talk to the Drs office. I've also begun hounding my work about it. I am in a small enough office that I might be able to have some pull in changing insurances, but then again don't know how hard of a process that would be.
I guess I'm just a little lost, any encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
MB
Michelle,
There is an option to go overseas (that's what I did) the cost is about $12,000.00. I had a great experience!! I know you are axious about getting it done, but try your best to have it done through your insurance company first, and then look at the other options. If you are a self-pay patient, overseas is safe, cheap and convenient, time & $ wize. But if you have the option to go through CPH, wait till they deny you over and over again, before you give up and go "self-pay". Think about it: 1 year waiting for a "free" surgery is not that much. It is better than paying a $13,000.00 to $50,000.00 loan over a 2 to 4 year period, specially if your funds are a little short. Plus, your Dr. is close by. Don't take me wrong, overseas' Dr.s are there for you and answer questions in a timely manner. Sometimes it is even easier to get a hold of your foreign Dr. than your american Dr.! Nonetheless, I'd try CPH first.
Email me if you have any more questions.
Good luck!
Vivi
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