Hi Paula! I am sorry to read about your troubles with insurance covering this and am so proud to read that you are taking matters into your own hands and working hard to lose weight yourself. I know how hard that is and wish with every ounce of my body (and thats ALOT of ounces) for your success. You have the motivation to lose the weight and I pray that God grant you the strength. Kudos to you for being so strong through it all. You are an inspiration. Instead of just giving up because you can't have it, you turned and took another road leading to the same journey with a healthier outcome. Surely there is something you can do to get Medicare to pay completely since it is life threatening for you. Have you looked into any other possibilities?? Have you checked the OSSG-Insurance site for any advice. There are always people there to help out any way they can. Don't give up, it may still work out. One question I have for you though... I know money can be tight and you can't afford to pay upfront for it but is there any possibility of borrowing it from family, friends, or a lending company?? I know it is an investment and another monthly payment but it is truly the best investment you can make- in your health and life. Sorry if I am overstepping my grounds I just hate to hear stories like this and I want to help however I can. Please feel free to write me. Take care of yourself. Hugs,