??

  Here's my problem. i was worked for 6 years at a job that, for the longest time didnt have insurance that offered wls. Then they switched to kaiser and I immediatly started to look into it. Well, Kaiser takes forever, and  9 months later I was fired unexpectedly due to false allegations.  Since I was unable (as a single mother) to afford COBRA to keep my insurance, I'm back to sqare one with no insurance and no way to get wls, even though I've reached the point at almost 400 #'s I can no longer work in the profession I was in (I was a CNA at a nursing home, very on your feet active work) I have severe knee and back pain and swelling in my legs and feet if I'm on them for more than a few minutes without sitting down.  I  feel like i NEED this surgery to be able to continue functioning on my own, and caring for my 3 yo daughter. I live in Oregon, and even though my daughter was able to get medicare - oregon health plan, right away I am not eligable. The only way I would be eligabel is if I was pregnant.  I'm not sure where to go from here.

Are you eligible for medicare?  They cover the surgery as long as it is done at a center of excellence.

I've been told that in Oregon, the only way for an adult to get on medicare is if she is pregnant. My daughter is on medicare, so I know I meet the income requirements.

When my husband and I were both in college full time (with two small children 1 and 3) we didn't have insurance. We applied for OHP and the kids and me were excepted. I don't remember exactly why DH wasn't, but I think they go on a priority type thing. Children first, pregnant women, all women, men, etc. or something. It has been a little over 5 years since then. I do remember having to pay a premium (something like $16 a month) for me, the kids didn't have one. I'd call and find someone to verify, unless OHP has changed to just for children and pregnant women.....I'd apply and see what happens. Good luck!! 

I'm planning on calling and asking again, but when I was pregnant with my daughter back in 2003 they told me that it was only for pregnant woman and children, just like they told me this time when I applied for my daughter and me after I lost my job. I'll keep y'all posted about what they say. :-)