Question:
Is there any financial help available for WLS for someone with no insurance?

Is there any financial help for those of us who desparately need WLS but are without insurance or cash on hand? Does Medicaid help pay for Wls? I am in Mississippi.    — mottsy (posted on March 17, 2009)

March 17, 2009
I have heard that Medicaid is good about paying for the WLS. Just check to see what you would need to do with your caseworker or your doctor. Good Luck!
   — momof2wthkids

March 17, 2009
Hi Martha, I am not in Mississippi..but here in Florida yes..Medicaid/Staywell/Wellcare will infact cover the surg. What I had to do is find out from Medicaid here which of the ins. would cover the surg. I had to change to Staywell/Wellcare and do 12 months of care by my primary care DR. If you already have ins.(medicaid)call the worker or office you have to deal with. If I can help you in anyway..please contact me. It was one of the BEST things I have done in life! Best of luck and just remember it takes time!
   — tootsie52

March 17, 2009
They paid for mine in North Carolina last July 2, 2008. Texas did not cover it last year, but I understand that they now do. You'll have to call the medicaid office in your state to find what they will and won't cover, and what their requirements are. Mississippi is not a wealthy state, and they may be more conservative about their assistance, but I honestly don't know. Good luck,Dusty
   — Dusty Ray Vaughn

March 17, 2009
I had the sleeve done in Mexicalli Mexico and there was a company that financed mine. I had a great experience and have had good success with the surgery. In Mexico it cost a lot less than in the states
   — deejacobs

March 17, 2009
A few years ago MS medicaid would help pay for gastric bypass but not lap-band, I'm not sure if that's still the case or not. Also, if you're unemployed or underemployed Vocational Rehab does help pay in MS. In both cases I'm pretty sure you have to have the surgery at a Center of Excellence.
   — lee_rn

March 17, 2009
Hi Martha I am in Illinois and I hear that Illinois Medicaid does pay so I would check into it.
   — ineedyourhelp