Question:
Does anyone know of any resources for someone with no insurance?

I have no medical insurance and my surgeon has told me that it is medically necessary to lose weight before I can have 3 large ventral hernias repaired. I weigh 380 pounds, 5'8", and a BMI well over 50%. I have a past history of a near fatal bowel rupture 4 years ago for which the ventral hernias have resulted from. He told me I was a "ticking time bomb." I have to lose weight to have surgery and if I do not lose weight, my chances of having a major crisis are very high, whether it be an acute illness from my hernias or from my morbid obesity. I cannot help but feel that time is slipping away. I have searched for resources and possible help, but have not found anything. I was hoping that someone who has had problmes with having no insurance would possibly have some ideas of who I could contact for help with getting this surgery. I was told that I made to much money for Medicaid and I really do not want to file for Disability as it takes so long and I do not have enough time to wait. I also have guardianship of my 6 and 4 year old grandkids, so financially I am limited with regard to possible self-pay. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.    — Kim C. (posted on July 8, 2005)

July 8, 2005
The only thing I can think of is for you to apply for Medi-Cal and since you have son and grandkids, you meet one of the criterias. It may not take many months to get it. Call your local county hospital or go to Human Services (welfare) office and ask about Medi-Cal.
   — KRWaters

July 8, 2005
Hello Kim I know this may not sound like a real solution but it may be the only one you have. I know you hate the part about feling like a ticking time bomb...which is what will get you the treatment. A very little known fact......ANY hospital that receives any form of Federal aid....which 99.9999999% of them do: is encumbered by the Hill-Burton Obligation. What this basically breaks down to is.......if you should require emergency treatment for these hernias and the associated problems.....any hospital you would choose to go to is mandated to render your treatment and to get you completely stabilized after such treatment. I know this sounds very maudlin but it is true. They will have to treat you......and they cannot refuse your treatment on the basis of your inability to pay for any or all of the incurred charges. They do write offs every single day. So..the means is there when the time comes. Best wishes for it not compromising your health further.
   — Wings In Waiting

July 8, 2005
You did not say if you worked. If you work, and the company you work for does not offer insurance, maybe you should check into switching jobs. You say that you make to much money for Medicaid, so I am thinking you or your spouse works, even if the company will not pay for WLS, they should pay for the hernia's, and getting the hernia's repaired would help you be able to move around better. If a hernia would rupture, were would you go? To the hospital ER, so as the other poster stated, go to the ER and tell them the pain you are having with the hernia's. Does your grandchildren have insurance? Maybe you could be added to there policy. It sounds like you need to get the hernia's taken care of first, then get the WLS done. If you own your own home, maybe take out a second mortgage, or a bank loan for the WLS. Do you have family members that could help? It also sounds like you are having alot of health issues, maybe you should start the avenue of putting in for disability. Medicare could help you with the WLS, yes, it does take awhile for disability to make there discisions, but if you do nothing, it will only get worse. Those children need you, if I were you I would go to my pcp and start getting my medical issues documented. The pcp can state you are unable to work, then you can put in for disability. Good Luck
   — cindy

July 8, 2005
Many people use Vocational Rehabilition to get their surgery paid. I was like you. My heart was getting worse every year. I opted to go through affordablebariatics.com. From the time I applied to actual surgery has been 5 weeks. My surgery date is July 14, 2005. Best Wishes, Sonya Sumrall
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 9, 2005
It would not hurt to apply for the disability...if you have no other options on the horizon it is better to apply and if nothing else comes around to help you out at least you have some hope of a medical card through disability..and if somthing does surface you can just withdraw you application...they have to an answer in 120 days anyway I think.
   — hooterzgirl75

July 9, 2005
Kim-have you looked into the lapband? You could go to mexico and have it done for under 7grand---way cheaper than bypass. Its an easier surgery to go through and I am sure they can fix your hernias at the same time. Good luck!
   — jessicamegan