HELP

Does anyone know of resources offered to help people pay for the surgery but don't have insurance and cant really afford to pay out of pocket. I am searching desparatley and would appreciate any info anyone has.

Call around to some teaching hospitals and ask to speak to the financial consult and ask if they offer a Charity program and if they do ask for the paper work and then pray. I know West Sub in Oak Park offers a charity program. Im sure that there is others call all the hospitals in your area. If you are in chicago you might not qualify for west sub hospital program. Cook County (strogers) hospital did offer Gastric bypass but i have put it on hold. See if you can get in there just to be put on the waiting list incase they do start back up. Good Luck. I am all the way self pay so i feel what you are going threw. Take care and good luck CHER 248/141

Cher, thank you so much for the information. I'm gonna start making calls today. It is so nice to know there are people out there who understand and are wiling to offer help. Thanks again! Andrea

Andra Hun You are more than welcome. I hope and pray that this will work out for you. Stay on track and when you make your phone calls tell them your situration. It may take time put stay on it and call every hospital and just ask ask ask!! Again I wish you all the luck in the world. I know what you are going throu and how you feel. You are not alone. If i come across any information that i think will help you I will send it your way OK Take care Hun ((((((((HUGS)))))))) It will all work out when the time is ment to be. CHER 248/141

Yes,Ingalls Hospital in Harvey, Illinois has a program called the CORI center.Look into it, they do the lapband and gastric bypass and accept public aid. Good Luck

Do you have Medicare or Medicaid? Try applying if you think you can get accepted. UIC, Weiss and others do take these.

Make sure you call the Peoria area. I know of a person that was going to get the surgery paid for but he died before he could get the surgery. Good luck to you.

thank you so much for the info. I will start calling them as well

Hi Andrea ... I also believe Northwestern does take Medicare/Medicaid for surgery, but NOT for any follow-ups ... so you might want to make sure you ask where ever you are inquiring about follow-up care as well (nutritionist/therapist/additional procedures e.g. hernia repairs, etc.) Good luck to you.