Question:
If someone has no insurance, low income...

Hi.I am post op, but I know someone who has a 70.4 BMI and they would love to have this surgery. How ever, he has no insurance, so doesn't know if he can ever have the surgery. He does have sleeping, and breathing difficulties.. Does anyone know of any resources I can tell him about?    — Christy B. (posted on May 5, 2000)

May 5, 2000
Try Medical Assistance or Medicaid. I know that a few people had it covered that way.
   — Michelle E.

May 6, 2000
If this man has a BMI of 70.4 he very well may be eligible for Social Security Disability, therefore he may have Medicare, if so Medicare covers WLS. There are several surgeons who take Medicare.
   — spankywoman

May 6, 2000
Melanie, while well intentioned, just being fat will not get you Social Security Disability Income (SSDI): you must be unable to work, too. I have a BMI of 78 and am able to work, for example. Also, once you get SSDI, Medicare doesn't kick in for 2 years. Just an FYI...I would suggest the gentleman get a job with a group health insurance policy....Fondly,
   — merri B.

May 7, 2000
Hi Christy, I have heard of Medicare and Medicaid paying for WLS, especially with co-morbidities. Hope this helps!
   — Laura P.