Question:
Does anyone know of grant to help us pay out of pocket?

We have BC/BS they say they cover the surgery but not under our policy. The employer would have to have a rider added on and they refuse because they say the surgery is unproven and isn't worth the risk. So we are going to have to take out a second mortgage on our home but that will not cover all the expenses. Anyone know of any helpful program we can apply for? I have a 83.7 BMI so this is far beyond cosmetic.    — Paul M. (posted on August 6, 2003)

August 6, 2003
Hi Paul- I am also pre-op, haven't started the insurance hoops yet :o) I was wondering who you meant when you say "they" say the surgery isn't proven and worth the risk? That means the co-morbidities are more desirable to them? I don't think "they" have done their homework and don't know their facts. Just because some ding-a-ling says so doesn't make it written in stone. I am not very good at technical stuff, but I'm sure others will be posting soon about the proven methods and benefits of most types of WLS, and where you can find the stats for your employer/insurance carrier. I have also heard of programs such as vocational training paying for it, and if your BMI qualifies you for some type of disability status, they might help you out. Have you consulted with a surgeon yet? His or her staff may have some good ideas about dealing with insurance problems as well. As a last resort, I keep hearing that Walter Lindstrom is a good attorney to help us with these things. Best of Luck to you :o) Mea
   — Mea A.

August 6, 2003
Paul, I don't know if this will help but I went to Mexico to have my surgery (Dr. Aguirre - see my profile for more details). I have a SUPERB surgeon who studied in San Diego and is a US citizen. My surgery went WONDERFULLY and I have lost 80lbs as of 3 months post op. My BMI was 60 at the time of surgery. And if you have to fly, buy 2 seats. I did! The total cost of my trip with hotel, airfare (for my sister and I) and the surgery was $9500. Good luck to you!
   — SMG I.

August 6, 2003
Have you applied for Medicare? They would be a good place to start. Especially if you have co morbidities. Start by applying for social security disability (regardless of your age) and be sure to list all of your problems. Hope this helps. Good luck! Mary
   — mary K.

August 7, 2003
Paul - I don't know which state you live in but most states have a "Rehabilitation Commission" or some such agency. Here in Texas it's called the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. I know of several people who went through TRC and had their surgery paid for by this agency. I also know of folks who got their plastic surgery paid for by them also. I can give you tips and information if you are interested. They are all about wanting to know how your disability is affecting your employment or your being able to be employed. They want you to be gainfully employed and their job is to help you get there. Oh, by the way, I went to Dr. Aguirre in Ensenada, Mexico also. He is amazing! I have never had such quality, caring medical attention in the U.S., as I did by Dr. Aguirre and his team in Mexico. I would recommend him in a heartbeat and I would do it all over again. His complication rate is less than 1%. I'm 3 months post-op and just reached my half-way goal of 50 lbs. I'm thrilled and would do it all over again. In fact, when (if) I get ready for plastic surgery, I'm going to a plastic surgeon in Ensenada. He is French and studied in France and has a great reputation for reconstructive surgery and helping people who have deformities. Good luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]