Question:
Where can i find someone who would help me pay for sugery since i dont hve insurance?

i really need to have this surgery i mean the weight has taken a very bad toll on my life i'm 20 and weigh 352 and i'm 4'11 i need help bad! any suggestions?    — lishafbaby (posted on May 13, 2007)

May 12, 2007
Do you know whether or not you qualify for medicare/medicaid? You might want to check because they do cover it.
   — the7thdean

May 13, 2007
http://www.liteandhope.com/financing.html Maybe you can finance your surgery. I got that link from the Carnie Wison Light and Hope page. Best of Luck!
   — Cira S.

May 13, 2007
You might be able to qualify for a medical loan. If you belong to any type of faith/church, they might be able to steer you in the right direction regarding charities. You can ask around but I haven't heard of any doctors doing pro-bono surgeries. I certainly don't know your situation so I apologize but can you switch jobs to one that offers group health? The thing w/ group health is that they don't care about pre-exisiting conditions. But, of course, you'd have to see if that particular insurance and company even covers WLS. I know it's frustrating. The insurance crisis in the US infuriates me. Best of luck to you, Sarah in VA
   — platypus

May 13, 2007
Are you skilled in a trade? Your local Vocational Rehabilitation might be able to help. That is who funded my surgery. Stephanie
   — Stephieb1999

May 14, 2007
Medicaid does not cover gastric bypass medicare does. Sounds like you have problms that prevent you from working full 8 hour shift. If that is the case have you applied for disability. With SS disibility you get medicare.tey only pay 80 % leaving you the rest to pay.
   — Texas_Angel

May 14, 2007
Clarification: Medicaid is a state funded program. What medicaid will cover differs from state to state. Medicare is federally funded and has the same benefits in every state.
   — mrsidknee

May 14, 2007
Yes, the last poster is correct, Medicaid DOES pay for this surgery, however all the pre auths you need to get vary from state to state. (Georgia Medicaid just started requiring that we go through a full year of supervised weight loss. I appealed that and got the denial overturned). Good luck!
   — crystalsno

June 7, 2007
Here in Upstate NY, those of us who have Medicaid can get "Blue Choice Option". (No charge). Medicaid pays for medicine and BCO pays medical bills. Perhaps FL also has something like this? Do look into it. DON'T GIVE UP!
   — Kittypup