Question:
What can someone do that does not have insurance in order to have this surgery done?

I am one of these people. I do not have insurance and desperatly need help in my weight loss. I am 32 yrs old, 5'2", and weight 267 pounds. I have been looking everywhere on how i could get some help to get some kind of insurance to help me do this. I have tried to apply for state medicaide and they told me i make to much money to qualify. I honestly dont see where, but you know how they work. If you, or anyone, has any ideas whatsoever, please respond. I am at witts end on looking for information on this.    — shirley R. (posted on November 29, 2003)

November 29, 2003
Do you have anywhere you could get a loan from. House equity or something similar. What about a 2nd or third job and put all that money into a wls kitty. Also, people that have gone out of the state get great rates. 1/3 of what self pay is here. Good luck!!! I wish you well.
   — Delores S.

November 29, 2003
Since you are currently working you cant get state aid. They dont care about your debt ratio just the amount you gross pay. Another option too is through your states Vocational Rehab, although since you are working that would seem like a dead end too. It is hell to do, I know since I did it, but if you can no longer work...you could qualify for assistance by the state but that too is no guarantee that WLS would be covered.<P> There is the self-pay route you could take. There is an excellent doctor in Spain (Dr. Baltasar) that does surgery for about $11,500 and one in Brazil (Dr. Marchesini)that costs about $10,000. These are options worth looking into if you dont have/unable to get insurance coverage. I personally would be at Dr. Baltasars office in a second if I had the funds to do it...but I am stuck going the state aid route. UGH!!!
   — ImANewDee

November 29, 2003
I am one of those who is borrowing the money to pay for my surgery. It's hard, but I have a 7 year old car that's paid for, so instead of getting a new car, I am gettin a new me. Also, medical expenses over a certain amount ($4000, I think) can be a tax write off, so I'll have about $14,000 in income I won't have to pay taxes on, which actually makes the cost of surgery even less (mine is costing $17,500 in Richmond, VA) -- (check with an accountant about the tax write off.)
   — Patricia T.

November 29, 2003
My insurance had an exclusion, they would not pay no matter what!!! I ended up going to Mexico for my open RNY. I researched my surgeon...and scheduled my appointment. I paid a total (including all travel expenses) less than $7500.00 I have had no problems....and in 3 months I have lost 60 pounds!!!! Feel free to check out my profile!!!!! I hope you find a way to have surgery....it is the best thing I have ever done!!!!
   — jennap

November 29, 2003
If you go the self-pay route, keep in mind that if insurance denied WLS surgery and you have complications that they will NOT PAY for any hospitalization or doctor bills that result from the WLS surgery. There was a woman in our support group that took out a loan of $40,000 to pay for her surgery, hospitalization, etc. to have WLS surgery at the end of September and is still in the hospital with complications. Her insurance company will not pay any of it. Don't want to discourage you, but want you to realize what could happen if you self-pay. She didn't think about that when she took out the loan.
   — Checker B.

November 29, 2003
Many people have changed jobs just for the benefits.
   — faybay

November 29, 2003
Every state has a high risk insurance pool which has to accept you if you've been turned down elsewhere, or have one of several qualifying diagnoses. This may be an alternative for you.
   — Michael S.