Looking for grants or ?

Hello, my doctor told me to try to see if anyone knew of grants, sponsers or any alternative payment plan as i am without insurance and need the surgery. Does anyone know of any? thank you

What about hitting up Bill and Melinda Gates for some money? I have heard they sometimes respond. There are also organizations on line that will pay for your airfare if you need to fly somewhere for surgery or chemo for example. I wouldnt bother calling United Way or those other agencies that compete for our donations, they never seem to be there when you need them but are right in front of the line when they want your money.

I don't know of any grants, but what about the Oregon Health Plan? Also, if you are without insurance but working, what about changing jobs to one that has insurance? I flew to Texas for my surgery, because I couldn't find a doctor here, but they covered the travel and everything for me, which was built in to the cost of the surgery. Some surgery programs might have some type of financing available. Best of luck, Tammy

thanks for the ideas, i am on unemployment at the moment and make $52.00 to much to qualify for OHP. right now it is too hard for me to find a job in my profession because of my weight. i am so far trying to lose it by dieting. not doing real well with it though, my support system a.k.a. my family has kind of dropped out of encouraging me, they are also overweight.

I can understand your position. I too am on unemployment and make barely too much for OHP. Fortunately I was working before I had surgery and ins. paid for it (over 53k). I've been looking for a job since February. There ARE places that don't discriminate against people for their weight. Government agencies especially are careful not to discrimiate. I've noticed few jobs posted on the county websites lately. Good Luck Tammy

Dawn, Doesn't the money thing just stink? Totally been there, done that. In fact, if it weren't for a miracle, I'd likely be dead by now. There ARE medical finance companies. However, most of the self-pay patients I know (and believe me, I know HUNDREDS of them) have tried some of the following: taking out a personal loan taking out a second mortgage or home equity loan borrowing against retirement money using retirement funds using the medical expenses clause borrowing money from friends and/or family community fund raisers selling collections one lady I know sold her home to have her surgery There are lots of others. You'll find that it's MUCH more affordable to go out of country if you're a self-pay patient, too. I went to Spain for my surgery with Dr. Baltasar. He's such a cool guy, and an incredible surgeon. I feel so honored to count him as friend! Let me know if I can answer any questions, okay? Blessings, dina

Oregon Health Plan won't cover the surgery. It"s below their "qualified listings of covered services" They cover lines 1-564 and gastric bypass is at 646 so even if it's medically necessary they don't cover it. I think I did hear of one coverage but the woman was practically on her death bed. I fought for two years and had an attorney and they still refused. You could always try, maybe they are more open to the idea now with all the publicity on the surgery and the fact that obesity is becoming the #1 killer in the USA. I believe that's what I read anyway. Good luck to you!! If you happen to go the OHP route, let me know how it goes!

I have really great insurance.. but they have an iron clad WLS exclusion. I went to Mexico for my RNY. My surgery cost $6900 that was everything - anesthesia, hospital, surgeons fee etc.. I am 10 weeks post op now - I am 62 pounds lighter and a whole new person. Going out of the Country is certainly an option to consider for some one who has no insurance. Is it easy? NO.. was it worth it? YES YES YES!! Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Zero regrets! Going to Mexico was the best thing I ever did for me. *Note - The cost of surgery in 2004 with my Dr. will be increased to $8500 due to a hospital rate increase