Anyone chose self pay due to impatience with ins?

[360lyMe 40]

My insurance has a 12-month pre-approval requirement that I am choosing to bypass and self-pay. While I don't have any co-morbidities, I have significant problems with my knees at 4' 10 1/2" and 260 lbs. At the recommendation of my PCP and Orthopedic Specialist, I'm investing $20,000 in myself. I received the recommendation right before Thanksgiving and will be sleeved in mid-February.

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[az062217vsg 40]

I'll likely be self pay also. It would be doubtful that insurance would approve if I tried, and timing is a consideration with work and school (6 months from now would not be ideal).

[clc9 644]

I'm leaving the option open if they want a six month supervised diet. I just don't want to wait. As it is, the doctor I chose is out of network, so the most they'll pay is just under half which would be great, but not worth waiting 6 more months.

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[111 118]

Curious if anyone else decided to self-pay to avoid the wait period and hoops the insurance company makes you jump through? My insurance company wanted a 12 month wait and I would have need to gain and maintain 10 extra pounds because the wouldn't recognize my pre-diabetes as a comorbidity. So I've opted to pay $11,000 in MI and have the surgery done 6/7. I've gotten a lot of mixed reviews from friends and family for bypassing insurance and taking the financial burden but I have no regrets! (Yet!) Curious if any one else made a similar decision?

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I think it's ridiculous that you have to gain 10 pounds to qualify and that they did not consider pre-diabetes a co-morbidity. The 12 month wait is a little long too. During your wait, you should be trying to lose weight and learn healthy habits, not having to gain weight, right? I hear this a lot on the wls forums and I just wonder what these insurance companies are thinking! If you have the means, go ahead and do self pay. In the meantime, try and learn healthy eating habits. That's what wls is all about - relearning how to eat. Best of luck to you in whatever you choose.

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[AMVV12 19]

I am 100% self pay because my husbands insurance does not cover ANY bariatric services. Although we are having to take a loan out, I can book my surgery in 2 weeks! I am going to Mexico and couldn't be happier with my decision. Financially, it will be a struggle but my health will only deteriorate the longer I have to wait. Best wishes to you!

Hi! Where in Mexico are you going & who did you use for the loan? Im approved at tijuanabariatrics.com w/ Dr Vazquez.

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Hey! Dr. Alvarez @ Endobariatrics and I got a loan from Health Assist Finance.

[Suzannestylin 1]

I'm considering self pay. Does anyone have any worries if they do self pay, the chance of something going wrong and ending up with a huge liability pay out. Trying not to overthink here...

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[triplethreat 257]

100% self pay here, too.

Was saving funds for a new car.......said screw it, dude......you need a new YOU more than you need a new ride.

I have zero regrets about cutting that check for my sleeve. Best damn money I've ever spent in my life.

I was saving for something else as well. Buying surgery gave me far less anxiety than buying a new car The investment in my health and future seems like a no-brainer now. Ditto what Dub says-- best $$ I've ever spent, no regrets at all (except not doing it sooner).

[ella37 455]

I'm considering self pay. Does anyone have any worries if they do self pay, the chance of something going wrong and ending up with a huge liability pay out. Trying not to overthink here...

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I was self pay b/c I knew my ins wouldn't approve me. The doc I used requires that you buy a BLIS insurance package to cover you for bleeding, clots, infection, leaks, etc for the first 90 days. I bought additional protection against strictures for 6 months. I'd find a surgeon who works with them. Good luck!