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So I started the process today, met with intake. They had me call the Finance Counselors. I had already used the estimator on KP.org, so I was expecting 4 to 5k out of pocket. The counselor says no, it's 14k. They break it up into 36 payments of 338, which is after paying 2k just to schedule the surgery. Is that normal?

I mean that's a car payment...I was okay with this when the estimator said the 4-5k. I'm not so sure I can put this financial burden on my family, even for the sake of my health.

Is anyone aware of options I can look into? I'm in Colorado if that makes a difference.

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I'm with Kaiser in Northern California and the cost is covered with a $250.00 co-pay.

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Wow. can location seriously be that big a difference? That's crazy to think in one state it's 250 copay and in another state it's 14,000...

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Southern California here and I'm also $250

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Oooh silly me LoL Kaiser question means your insurance.. Excuse me.. Sorry.. And Holy sh!t that's crazy for a "co-pay" ????

Munky

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Yes, I have Kaiser of Colorado and their plan only covers 50%. What's really frustrating is that I used their estimator which states it uses my plan information to estimate, which I why I started the process. And then they turn around and say 50%. is all they cover and the entire bill is $28,000; so my share would be $14,000, and that's just for the surgery. I still have deductibles for speciality appointments with the doctor, mental health and the classes leading up to the surgery.

It just seems crazy...and I just need to research and see if there is something I am missing.

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Well, you can look into going to Mexico. It is a lot cheaper. But I wouldn't suggest BELITE, they send their patients to JUAREZ. The surgeon is amazing but the Hospital really isn't anywhere close to the USA. But I have heard that in Tijuana it is much better. My hubby had his SLEEVE done in Juarez and like I said our experience wasn't too good with the practice of their hospital. It was called STAR MEDICAL or just MED I don't totally remember.

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What hospital are you using? Can you use Denver health, Rose, St Joe?

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WOW, I know everyone's insurance is different however if my insurance didn't cover my surgery it would be 12500 out of pocket and that would cover everything all appointments also they require half down and then we'll set up the remaining 6000 divid it into payments.. 4 years ago when I had the Lap-Band it came back that my insurance didnt covering the surgery that I wanted which was the sleeve they Said it would be 17000 cash so I ended up paying $9,000 and went with the Lap-Band I wish that I would have done more research and looked at other facilities however I was vulnerable and was desperate for anything now I have to deal with this thing until I can get it out and have the sleeve done...in which I hope is soon!!!!!!

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What hospital are you using? Can you use Denver health, Rose, St Joe?

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It's through St. Jospeh's

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Might check the other hospitals to see if it is cheaper.

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I am on a platinum plan I purchased through the state exchange (Maryland). My premium (which I take no assistance for) is about $320 a month. I got the higher-end plan because of my health issues. My copay for the surgery was $350 (would have been $250 last year).

It is really late in the year, which means health insurance enrollments will be opening up soon. Do you have the option of changing plans? Maybe see what else is open? Just something to look into. I told my doctor that I wanted a referral for bariatric surgery on my first visit two weeks after I got on the insurance and there was absolutely no problem.

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I think it depends on your plan. Maybe you can change your plan during open enrollment? Some plans have $0 co-pays, $25+, and some have deductibles. I'm also in CA, so not sure how the plans work in your state.

Wow. can location seriously be that big a difference? That's crazy to think in one state it's 250 copay and in another state it's 14,000...

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I have Kaiser NorCal and I work for a big

Bank that only offers co insurance plans. I enrolled in the best one they offer and I have to pay $2000 which is my individual out of pocket max. We used to have the $250 copay with my hubs

Company but they no longer offer Kaiser.

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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

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        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

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        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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