My new beginning is OVER [emoji22]

[mercedes620 39]

I started my journey less than 2 months ago. April 26th to be exact. I am newly insured because of my new job so I immediately jumped on the opportunity to see if having gastric bypass was an option and would my insurance (BCBSNC) approve. So, yes they approve it but their is a deductible. My journey is very time sensitive because I work for my local health department and the county commissioners are changing the insurance July 1. The new insurance doesn't cover. So with that being said, I need put my ass in gear and attend required nutrition classes, psych evaluation, support group meeting, so low carb, loose the amount of weight suggested and pray for my insurance to approve my surgery before July 1. All of this greatest has happened and yesterday (Friday) I get hit with the worse news ever. My surgeon's office calls to confirm everything for Monday and collect my balance from not meeting the deductible yet before surgery. I have to pay $2307.18!!!! I was completely devastated!!! I am single and I don't have any savings. I have a widow mom who is disabled. I don't have any family that could help and my friends just don't have it. After I got through my crying and panic attack I tried to get a loan but my credit is crappy because of student loans I got denied every time. I heard. I so much yesterday it felt broken and really low. So I had till 5 to pay this or my surgery was going to be cancelled. I didn't come up with it and that's what happened. I guess the good news is I can call back in Monday and reschedule for the following Monday (June 27). But I don't have the money so I feel like what's the point. Thanks to anyone that reads this...I could use some support

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[KristenLe 5,979]

See if you can apply for Care Credit. Good luck!

[atlmag 77]

Was it even possible to get approved, doesn't BCBS require 4 or 6 months of weigh-ins. It's great if your policy doesn't but just be careful because some will say your approved but forget to say pending meeting the policy requirements.

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[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

@@atlmag Most BCBS don't have weigh insurance anymore. I have BCBS and I went from first visit to surgery in 8 weeks.

[mercedes620 39]

@@KristenLe Thanks!

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[mercedes620 39]

@@atlmag that's was the beauty of my policy I didn't have to have any retirements besides having a high bmi

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[atlmag 77]

@@atlmag that's was the beauty of my policy I didn't have to have any retirements besides having a high bmi

That's great new, do all you can to get surgery by end of month, definitely a good suggestion above with care credit. Heck even if you can put it on a credit card. You definitely won't regret it. I originally looked into the surgery 2 years prior than when I had it done and got deterred due to exclusion on insurance policy, 2 years later I found an affordable self pay solution due to Hernia I had. Now my only regret is I did get it done sooner. 6 months post op and down 122 lbs.

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Edited June 18, 2016 by atlmag

[gina171 626]

Just brainstorming here....anything you could sell? Jewelry, homegoods you don't use, TV, things in storage, etc.

How about downsizing your car? We are getting ready to do that now, selling our nicer car and replacing it with something basic but safe that costs 1/2 as much, and applying the extra money to our daughters college tuition bill.

Can you ask for a pay advance?

Four close friends who could each loan you $500? Provide evening childcare (pre-op ad then post recovery) for parents who work at night?

Garage Sale? Craigslist? Sell the clothes you won't fit in in a year, now? Could you get a hardship loan from your church (since this is for your health) in exchange for repayment in full PLUS offering them 5 hours a weekend of service (cleaning, office work, coordinating, etc.) for the next year?

I know I am stretching here, I am just trying to think of all the things I would be willing to do.

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[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

This is probably too late because of the time frame, but I met my deductible and out of pocket doing pre-op testing. Since that testing was with the hosptial, they offer payment plans. Have you done all your pre-op testing? If you could get in for tests this week, and work out a payment plan with the hospital maybe your surgeon can still squeeze you in.

[AmusedMuse 15]

Ask to speak with the office manager and explain your situation. There is no reason your credit should be in such bad shape so pay the minimum on your student loans every single month and pay on time.

[mercedes620 39]

Thank you to everyone that shared ideas and that shared your concerns. I am so grateful. This week has been so emotional, crazy, and just hard. After last Friday when I found out that surgery wasn't going to happen to for me on Monday which was my surgery date. I was crushed. I was just broken. I cheated all weekend and had pizza, burger and fries, and of course chocolate!!! Monday morning I showered before work and said to myself the money to pay down my deductible wasn't going to pay itself. I called to see if I could get back on the calendar for surgery on the last possible date Monday, June 27th. I did!!!! Then, I gathered a plan and spoke with friends, family and coworkers to see if I could get donations and/or loans. I sold some clothes and home goods that I haven't ever used. Long story short by mid week I knew that $2000 wasn't going to happen so I called my surgeon's office on Friday morning to see if I could pay half and work a payment plan for the other half later. The receptionist stated that she couldn't authorize it and there was no on in the office that could and that her supervisor was in NY. She said she would call and let me know but couldn't make any promises. I was a nervous wreck waiting...so she finally called around 1:30 and said yes!! They accepted!!!! My surgery will be Monday June 27th. I literally started shaking I was so happy. I had a friend drive me because I had to pay at the office because I had cash and it's about an hour away. I made it! I paid it! I'm so happy and excited!! It was meant to be!!

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[Ginger Belle 54]

Yes it was meant to be. No weapon formed against you shall prosper. What God has for you can't nothing change that. You go girl. Remember you are blessed. Keep us posted.

[Dar200 285]

Awesome! Best wishes on your surgery!

[atlmag 77]

Hope your surgery went well and your starting to feel well.

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[mercedes620 39]

I am! Thank you so much. Just ready for soft foods!

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