Low Income Bariatric Surgery Help

If you have been struggling with your weight for a long time, you know how frustrating it can be. For those suffering from obesity, it can impact your life in a number of challenging ways. If you've tried traditional diet and exercise, but that hasn't worked, you may consider bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery refers to two common procedures, gastric bypass and gastric banding (lap band). Unfortunately, this treatment is not always covered by insurance. If you can't afford to cover the expense, how can you get help paying for this costly procedure?

Question Your Insurance Company

• It can be challenging to get your insurance company to cover the cost of bariatric surgery. It is an expensive procedure, with an average cost of more than $20,000 and many insurance companies do not consider this a necessary treatment to cover in their health plans. However, you should still consider your insurance company as your first option for help in paying for surgery. Some states require group plans to cover the cost of bariatric surgery, but there are restrictions so you should familiarize yourself with the laws in your state and the specifics of your insurance plan.

  You will likely be required to document that you have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight under a more traditional doctor-supervised plan and there may also be a long waiting period before your surgery is approved. However, if your hard work pays off and your insurance company will pay for the procedure, it is well worth the effort.

Arrange for Private Financing

• Even if you are in a lower income bracket, you may still qualify for a personal loan from your bank or financial institution that can help pay for your surgery. In addition, you can pay for the surgery on credit cards or apply for a home equity line to cover the cost. It can be a bit daunting to take out a loan for such a large amount, but think of the money you will save by not having to pay for major health issues down the line.

Negotiate Payment Arrangements with Your Doctor

• While it may not be standard practice, some doctors and hospitals have recognized that the cost of health care is far too expensive for the average person to afford. For a procedure such as bariatric surgery that is often not covered by insurance, the situation can be even more challenging. It may be a good idea to explain your situation to the surgeon and find out if you can make payments over time. Many doctor's offices also have credit programs you can apply for that will help with medical expenses.