Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

What do you do if you can not finance it?



Recommended Posts

Well, my fiance is on a work policy on United Health Care but his particular policy does not cover the surgery. He had his work's insurance agent try to fight with UHC and she called back yesterday saying that they told her that they do not cover the surgery AT ALL. I know this can't be true because I've heard of many people being covered through UHC.

Since he already has sleep apnea and is obese, he can't get approved with a new insurance company and we tried for a loan but only got approved for $6,600. Our local bariatric office has an insurance coordinator that we're going to get in contact with next week..hopefully they can help us out but if not, what other options are there or what have you done? We do not wan't to give up on this!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

and we tried for a loan but only got approved for $6,600.

I've read on here, that there a few docs in Mexico that do it for anywhere from $7000-9000.00

There's also one in CO that does it for $9500.00

Depending on the reason WHY his plan doesn't cover it ... you may also try getting an attorney.

Good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, my fiance is on a work policy on United Health Care but his particular policy does not cover the surgery. He had his work's insurance agent try to fight with UHC and she called back yesterday saying that they told her that they do not cover the surgery AT ALL. I know this can't be true because I've heard of many people being covered through UHC.

Since he already has sleep apnea and is obese, he can't get approved with a new insurance company and we tried for a loan but only got approved for $6,600. Our local bariatric office has an insurance coordinator that we're going to get in contact with next week..hopefully they can help us out but if not, what other options are there or what have you done? We do not wan't to give up on this!

I had my surgery with Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver. Only $9,950.00 - no extra fees. You do have to pay for travel if you don't live in Denver, but I got airfare for $199.00 round trip (and I live in the middle of no where - normally it's at least $250.00 to fly anywhere) and I stayed at a really nice hotel right near Dr. K for $60.00 a night.

$6,600.00 is almost enough! See if you can cut out a few of those "minor but they add up" expenses.. the can of soda you buy at break time, a cup of coffee you buy on the way into work, try packing your lunch, disconnect the cable tv... whatever and save those pennies. You'll have the rest in no time. The sacrifice is worth it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Destiny unfortunately there are some companies that have UHC as their insurance and they have an exclusion writtien into their policy about weightloss surgeries. It is normally an exclusion that the employer has chosen. I work in a hospital on a barriatric unit and my UHC doesn't cover it either. All the fighting in the world got me NO WHERE! I am trying to save and wishing that someone would give a person like me with crapy credit a loan. Best wishes!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I work for a great and typically very progressive employer so I was very surprised when our UHC policy specifically excluded any weight loss surgeries. I was thinking about offering to purchase the rider for my company to avoid paying for my surgery 100% out of pocket. I ended up deciding to go Mexico to have it done by Dr. Ortiz. The total will be $8,500 which includes everything except the airfare.

Good luck to you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi there. I am a newbie to this site and had my first visit with the surgeon today. I am a Canadian working and living in Berlin Germany and I am not too sure if my insurance will cover the surgery. However, my Doctor told me today that to have the procedure done here in Berlin will be approx. 3,000 to 4,000 Euro. I think that is about $5,300 US dollars. It maybe worth thinking about as this city is fairly inexpensive to visit and depending on where you live, you can get some fairly cheap flights with BA and Lufthansa. Also, he said I could have the surgery within 1 month if I wanted to. What a difference to the Canadian health system! If you have questions email me at oreo225@hotmail.com.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×