I guess I'm self pay now

Hello everyone. I went thru all the pre-op tests and they were completed by the end of December. However, Jan 1st my employer surprised us all with a change of insurance and guess what, an exclusion for WLS. My secondary insurance also has an exclusion for WLS. This decision to have surgery was too hard to make, and once I was committed to it, there is no going back for me. My parents are going to help me some, but I'm gonna do this thing self-pay. Anyone else self-pay? I'm hoping that since I'm paying out of pocket, they can go ahead and schedule a surgery date for me. Everything has been done for a couple weeks now. Wish me luck! ...Jill

Hi Jill, I have BCBS and they NEVER have approved a LapBand surgery, so I knew starting this process that I would be a self pay. Who is your surgeon? Have a very candid discussion with his surgery coordinator about any offered discounts for self pay. Also call the hospital and have the same discussion- you might be surprised at the discount they offer. Just remember that you are worth every penny spent and maybe it will get you a date quicker. Good Luck, Sheila

Jill, Read my profile. The impossible CAN happen. BCBS paid for MY Lapband. Steve Que

I'm having Dr. Bauman perform my gastric bypass. I have exclusions on both policies and I understand that exclusions can't be worked with.

I believe BCBS is going to be covering LapBand in the near future

I hope you are right. But I have to say they told me that for a year! And still BCBS didnt want to pay for my surgery. Steve

I am a self pay girl. Dr Melkonian did my lap RNY on March 14th 2006 --- best money I have ever spent. The hospital ( Presby uptown Charlotte ) gave me a 25 percent cash discount and the surgeron also gave me a discount.... final cost for me was around $26,000 Worth every penny - GO FOR IT. I could have done a lap band with another surgeron but decided I needed a much more sure thing, The RNY was easy for me no problems at all , although the lap band is cheaper , I have heard of several people that have failed using it , and only a couple with the RNY having problems. You should get a date fast , if no insurance company is involved Good Luck and COngrats

I have a question... I am covered by BCBS of NC and I just got approved... I have to pay out of pocket $466.00. The total charged listed are estimated at $8400. I have the same surgery and the same surgeon... I wonder what is the difference in price. Any ideas?? Kristi

My surgeon is $4,875. The hospital is $16,000. The anesthesia is a little over $1000. That is my estimated expenses (what I have to come up with out of pocket before the surgery). Do they itemize what the $8400 estimate is for? Congrats on not having to pay more than you do! ...Jill