What To Do When Your Insurance Has A Waiting Period For Lap Band Surgery?

[karibensea 7]

I have BCBSDE and since I did not have medical insurance from Feb 11-July 11 I have to wait 1 yr for the insurance to cover anything bariatric! What is that all about? BLUE CROSS paid to have the surgery done back in 09 and now they will not cover anything because I had a laps in coverage? Really who can afford the Cobra that is offered to you between jobs?

I wonder if anyone has any ideas as to what I can do. I need to have my band looked at and can not afford any kind of medical expenses right now...I have had my band for a bit over 2yrs and when I moved up here to Jersey I got a fill and it was too tight. Now he did back out some Fluid and it was all good.

As of late I have been having a problem with major phlegm due to a bad head cold I had a couple weeks back. I cough a lot too, as it seems I can not shake it! The cough is deep and makes my throat hurt not like sore red kind of hurt but strain kind of hurt. I feel as if I have a clog in my band or that something might be wrong with the band. Sometimes I get a bit of what feels like heartburn. I get so freaked out but it has been over a year since I had my last barium xray to ck on the band so I am scared.

I can NOT afford hospital bills right now and I just do not know what to do..

Any input you have to offer will be a blessing..

Thanks

[twi 40]

So sorry you are going through this not sure what to do bit hang in there. If you have pain you should see Dr your health is most important

[54Shirley 105]

I have been in your shoes, and had to wait with a empty band..

As a result I gained almost all my weight back.

If you have a problem, call your Dr., and explain that you don't have the money, and the problem with the Ins..

Then see if there Ins. people can help, or strike up a payment plan. Also, for Christmas, you might want to explain the situation, and maybe some family members can pitch in, and help out.

If you need Fills, you can contact Fill Center U.S.A., and just pay cash, or throw it on a card.

I know this is not what you want to hear, but don't let it slide, it's not worth it.

Wishing you Luck, Shirley.

I just caught the last paragraph. You can go to a E.R. that handles Bariatrics for help.

But, check if your Ins. will cover the E.R. visit for being sick where it is interfering with the Band.

[Cocoabean 430]

Check with your insurance and see if they will cover an emergency situation with your band, not routine stuff. Or go to your primary doc for the cough and see of he can order tests to check the cough that can also check on the band at the same time.