PLESE HELP-NO INSURANCE NEED ADVICE!!

Good Morning! I have done everything I need to do to get ready for the surgery. However, my biggest obstacle is that my insurance refuses to pay for any kind of surgery that involves weight loss. They do not even cover any weight loss medications either or preventative care.  I have gone rounds and rounds with my insurance and was told that it is not that they can not cover this procedure or any procedure but that the problem lies w/my employer because my employer has specified a clause in their contract w/the insurance company that they will not cover any weight loss procedures, medication, or anything! I am at my wit's end, depressed, devestated....confused and just sad.   I have contacted my local county office to apply for some kind of medical assistance even a suplemental insurance coverage or spend-down of some kind and I was told my family makes to much money. A friend of a friend told me to go on-line and apply for a medical loan. My problem is that I have no clue who would be the one to apply for or who is truly looking out for my best interest to provide me w/the best rates for this procedure. Has anybody ever applied for a medical loan?? Has anybody ever gotten help via a grant or anything? My health is getting worse and it is making it more difficult each day to deal with this. I have severe GERD, Plantar Facitis, bad ankles/knees from previous injuries and to add insult to injury I have hip problems from of none other an exercising accident.  The pain in my feet is excrutiating and from trying to walk differently to compensate the pain I am reaggravating my old injuries w/my ankles and hip. please, if anybody has any information please respond!! thank you

HI there. I do not have a perfect answer for you, but wanted to respond to let you know that I understand completely. My first insurance company also refused, due to the fact that my company had a "small group" policy.  I took it as far as Lisa Madigan's office (Attorney General), and though they agreed that I needed the surgery, they could not help as the insurance company is allowed to discriminate in that way (as long as they discriminate against ALL "small groups"). Your best bet is to talk to your HR department to see if it is possible for them to add a "rider" to the policy covering the procedure as long as it is "medically necessary".  If that is not possible, is there a  chance of chaniging insurance during open enrollment?  My company actually changed insurance providers to one that WOULD cover surgery. You can continue to appeal due to the medical necessity of the surgery also.  It HAS worked for some. Also.....check out the Insurance Forum here on OH.  It is moderated by an attorney who has has good luck with cases such as yours, and also some people that post there work for insurance companies and may be able to help you better than I. Unfortunately, I have no idea about loans, although I hear Capital One has a medical loan department. Godd luck to you, keep up the fight.  Sometimes, it takes YEARS (like it did for me).

I am so sorry for what you are going through.  My heart aches for all of us who have struggled through this.  Just don't give up stay on the board..you will get alot of help just by reading the posts.  Please let me know how things are going..I will be praying for you.

Hi  I payed out o fpocket for mine. I used care credit it was zero intrest if you pay it off in so long and I did. I used the best surgeon Dr Frantzides and he is so great with people who have to pay cash. Your insurance may cover the hospital and fees. Dr Frantzides is the best!! Good luck to you dee