Question:
My insurance company RUDELY informed me that there is no way they will pay for WLS...

We can't afford ANY surgery without insurance! What will I do now? My hopes have been crushed, and I am not sure to go from here. My husband has this strange "Oh well, better luck next time" attitude. I don't think he understands how much I need this. Right now, I am ready to sell everything I have, INCLUDING HIM, to get this done! Any ideas are more than welcome. Thanks for reading this, Annie    — annie W. (posted on August 5, 2003)

August 5, 2003
I was denied by my (self-funded)insurance but the HR person went above and beyond and looked for other funding options for me. If you have a 401K or retirement plan available to you - you may be able to take a loan or a hardship withdrawal. I was approved through the DVR but put on a waiting list - years. I finally decided to self pay with Dr. Aguirre Wallace in Ensenada, MX. What a huge difference a geographical line makes in the economy!! He is charging a total of $6900 for the total package. The US docs all wanted in excess of $25000. If you are interested in this option, please email me and I will be happy to give you contact info. Dr. Aguirre's prices go up $2000 after the first of the year. Best wishes and I will be praying that you somehow are able to have this life altering surgery! God Bless
   — Tina H.

August 5, 2003
If you call your local hospital that does this kind of surgery,you can talk with the accounting department or the administrator and they will take a lessor pay. Most will take $3,000.00 or a little less. You can also ask them for information on the differant organizations that help people with there doctor bills.Also approach the doctor that you would want to do the surgery and ask for a good discount. Some Doctors do a certain amount of discounted surgery for those that can't afford surgery and they also will set up a payment program and as long as you meet the payments on time the discount will apply, but if you miss more than one payment or are late three times, then they will bill you the full amount. So be sure you can meet the payment if yo do it this way. I hope this helps. Wishing the best for you.
   — myra J.

August 5, 2003
If all else fails get a job at the hospital where you want your surgery. Most hospitals write off a great big portion of the bill for their employees. I will only end up paying the surgeon! After insurance takes care of their part my hospital write's the rest off. I don't have to pay a dime of the hospital portion. Good Luck
   — Kara J.

August 5, 2003
have you considered a home equity loan? The rates are low right now, the interest may be tax deductable, and the money (minus interest) goes back into your equity. Sometimes, that is a good way to go.
   — jawalker72

August 6, 2003
Do you have a written exclusion? Is there an appeal process? Was this denial written or in a phone call? You need to do some more checking. If you have exhausted all of the appeal process then before you self pay try Walter Lindstrom - I hear he is great. Also check your state insurance board to see the process you have to go through. I don't know about the rudeness issue because have not seen the letter.
   — snicklefritz