only 20k in my way...??
I was a self pay also and it was worth every penny. I will say though, that I opted to have my surgery done by a very well respected surgeon with a bariatric clinic that has been deemed a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). It really does make a difference.
18k after all the work ups, psych eval, bariatric food and vitamins, 3 day hospital stay, anesthesia etc etc in Knoxville, TN. It included one year follow up, nutritionist, one on one with an exercise physiologist and 24/7 access to a nurse practitioner as well as the BLIS insurance. BLIS pays for all medical bills related to a covered complication including any facility fees, surgeon fees, professional charges, rehabilitation, and any other ancillary costs as directed and approved by the BLIS surgeon.
Colleen 
Here is another option that you might consider. I signed up for a second insurance policy under the affordable care act just for this surgery. I picked a platinum level plan so my out of pocket max is manageable then pay the monthly premiums. Once I am through the surgery and first few check ups you can decide if you want to keep the plan. Your out of picket max will likely be met then you have basically free healthcare with the exception of the premiums. Once January rolls around you can get a cheaper policy. The Aca gets a bad wrap but even 12 months at 409 a month is cheaper than 20k and you get the benefit of insurance the rest of the year with no bills
JT3
“Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death.” – James F. Byrnes
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
I did have to do the 6 month diet, but only had to do 4 months as I had a supervised diet that I had for 4 other months they gave me credit for.
That, psychogical testing, a sleep study (May not apply to you, but I had apnea anyway), lab work, a upper gi series, and the nutrition visits are what I had to have covered as well as pre op, operating fees, anesthesia, and the hospital bill plus copays. It sounds more complicated than it was. Basically they set up the appointments for you.
I paid the copays at each visit and my policy covered everything else with the exception of the sleep study. I had to pay the surgeon 525, and I will owe the hospital and anesthesia on a 80/20 plan of their authorized amount up to a max of $1500 dollars. So I have 525 of the 1500 already paid so the most I will owe in addition is 975. A heck of a lot better than 20 k. That's a good deal.
The issue with going with a low out if pocket max is your monthly premiums are much higher ( mine are 409 a month). So my premiums for 12 months will be a total of about 5k, plus the 1500 out of pocket max leaving a total yearly operation cost of 6500. That is still much lower than the 20 k, and your insurance is paid for a whole year and you will be coveted for any extra doc visits or covered claims ( a huge benefit)
Now the caveats are you need to stay in network and make sure your doc office stays on top of pre approval. They are good at it because it is always a battle with insurance.
My my insurance is with blue cross blue shield if nc. You need to read the policy exclusions to see if bariatrics is covered. The good thing about Aca compliant plans is there are no penalties for pre existing conditions. Hope this helps some
JT3
“Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death.” – James F. Byrnes
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
Basically yes, but do the research first before signing up. Read the policy exclusions and check for bariatrics coverage. If it's covered get the actual morbid obesity policy and see the steps for coverage. If you meet these steps contact your chosen docs office and see what their experience has been with getting approval from that ins carrier. If it's good then get the policy and schedule the dietician appointments. Also schedule your psych, lab work, initial consult, etc. at the end of the 6 months you should have all other visits done and that may cover some or all of your deductible ( that's the amount you have to pay before ins will kick in). If you can find a company where the deductible is counted toward your out if pocket max that's even Better. Your doc will send in all paperwork to the ins company for approval. If they deny you can and should immediately appeal this. The company will request additional paperwork and reconsider their position. If they approve then you go to surgery. You still need to pay the premiums, but after surgery you COULD cancel the policy, but that would be shortsighted. You probably will meet your out if pocket max and you will have follow up visits with the dietician and doctor as well. This should save you some money and provide a insurance safety net for the year.
