Question:
Is there any way to get help with the cost of the surgery?

I am unemployed and have health and mental issues. I am extremely obese and have tried many diet plans. I have even had a doctor tell me to lose weight or die young. Nothing has helped. My husband works, but only seasonal and doesn't make enough to pay the bills and pay for this surgery. I am at my wits end and about to go over the edge. Please!! Is there someone who is willing to help me?    — auntymz (posted on July 9, 2006)

July 9, 2006
Do you have Medicare? I don't know if that pays for it or not.
   — robinsoc140

July 9, 2006
As Carol stated, if you have applied for and recv'd Medicare they will pay for the surgery. I would suggest going online to sss.gov and applying for disability. Get all of yur doctors information, names of medications that you take, so that you will have that handly. You can apply for disability online and could probably apply for medicare as well. Go to the medicare website, I do believe they pay for it because there was some congressional discussions as to whether or not to approve the surgery for obese patients over 60 because of the risks invovled. Yes, they will pay for it, however, you've got to do the paperwork. In the meantime, may I suggest walking (if you can) and ask your doctor about an appetite suppressant call phentermine (it's not fen-fen) and it's been around since the 1950s and it works. If it's possible for your to start walking, I'd recommend you do so while awaiting for this to take place and document the days you walk and for how long. Good luck!
   — the7thdean

July 10, 2006
Mary, apply for the Social Security Disability. They may take the word of your doctor or as I, I was sent for an evaluation by a doctor they chose. If your granted SSD., you'll still have to wait about two years to be placed on Medicare (unless things have changed). Once you get Medicare, you can just use them and pay 20% of all your medical bills or as I again you can choose a Supplement insurance company to manage your Medicare account. There are several but on the Medicare site they'll have a list of which are offered in your area. United Health Care seems to be saying yes to WLS very easily. I have Humana Gold Plus which granted my surgery over-night. They paid for everything but my co-pay of $250.00 And they give everyone of the members a free gym membership which is good to get started before surgery. So the first step is to apply for Disability. Good Luck, Mike
   — Michael Eak

July 10, 2006
Do you have any type of county assistance that you can get through your state.. I am not familiar with the state that you live in. I live in Minnesota and they have all types of assistance that people can apply for. It would be worth a shot to see of they offer medical assistance. I also agree with others.. Have you looked into purchasing medical insurance through other companies?
   — Rachel80

July 10, 2006
If the avenues already presented to you don't pan out, you might look to go to Mexico. I went down there and have been extremely happy with my surgeon, experience and results! Good luck!
   — Dinka Doo

July 10, 2006
Apply for medicaid... you can usually get info about this from the food stamp office (which is usually listed in the phonebook). You can also take out a medical loan.
   — mrsidknee