Hey All,

I am scheduled as a Self Pay for surgery on May 2nd and well Friday I found out that I was approved for Social Security Disability and that I will become eligible to get Medicare, no later then September 2006, so my question is:

I am borrowing the money for self pay for surgery on May 2nd, but now that I have been approved for Social Security Disability and will be getting Medicare, and the hospital I chose and the surgeon I chose in CA Medicare will pay for since they are consider a Center of Excellence and I meet the basic guidelines of a BMI over 35, at least 2 co-morbidity of Diabetes and Hypothyroidism and other diets havent worked, even though I dont have that documented so I hope that isnt a problem.

Should I postpone surgery till I get Medicare and then apply to have them pay for the surgery and pay what they wont pay?

I feel like I should because I would be saving money and if there were any problems I would have insurance to cover it, so I was wondering what you all thought since I trust your opinions and also has anyone been approved under the new Medicare Guidelines and what has been your experience with them?

Thanks for any and all advice!

Well, since I waited for almost a year fighting with my insurer, my personal feeling would be wait. I don't know how much of a dent the cost of surgery will make in your budget, but it would have destroyed mine. So for me it was well worth the wait.

There are people here who have had Medicare cover their surgery, so you'll probably get some feedback on that. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Thanks Alexandra,

Yeah it would kill my budget because my parents were going to borrow the money and I pay them back so it would make it easier all around. I would even be ok with if Medicare would just pay for the hospital part and I paid the surgeon. Anything saved is good, I just hate waiting and I hope I dont have to meet alot of guidelines either.

Thanks again!

I would wait a little while at least to see what will happen....if you just save 1/2 that is better than nothing....But I know how it is to want it and have to wait too Good luck in your decision and May God Bless You!

If it were me, I'd probably wait because my budget is so tight it's painful.

Emily