What do you do if you can not finance it?

Destiny · February 17, 2007

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!

Candle · February 17, 2007

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.

Shesha · February 18, 2007

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!

NurseTeresa · February 18, 2007

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!

MCOBandita · February 18, 2007

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!

oreo225 · February 26, 2007

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.