Paying for sleeve (help please!)

[Kristin3787]

Okay so I just submitted everything in to my insurance 2 days ago. My surgeon's office gave me an updated total for the cost and its going to be approx $3400. I was originally told it would be about half of that. So now Im not sure how to come up with the entire amount. My credit sucks so I dont know if I can get a loan, I doubt any family will lend me that much money either. Any suggestions?? Please and thank you!

[Sunflower]

do you have a FSA? That's how I paid for my sleeve. Also, maybe you could ask relatives to give you a loan.

[mike_mcginn]

I know that seem like a lot of money when things are tight. If insurance is paying anything, perhaps whoever the co-pays go to can arrange for payments.
My wife has remarked many times how the food costs dropped after my wls. Compared to the future medical costs of remaining obese, it is a small
investment. "Also be glad its $3400 not $34000.00" Good Luck.
/mike/

[CuirousGeorge]

Your credit may not be the best and you may still qualify for Care Credit. and if you can get a co-signer with better credit, it may be worth checking into. The interest rate on it may not be ideal. You may want to check it out.

[yankegal]

maybe talk with people at your church or a family memeber to help you. accually your lucky mine was 6,000. out of pocket, most dr have a comp they deal with

[yankegal]

my message got messed up. most drs have a company that they use to make payments, they usually charge interest but its a way that you can do it without asking anyone for help. good luck to you!

[Jester]

I wish mine was only that. I paid 13 grand out if pocket. Do you have a 401k..i did a hardship discharge didnt pay it back and no penalty

[Grace]

curious george mentioned Care Credit - that's a good option if your doc will take it. Sometimes you can pay for 24 months with no interest, it depends on your doc and how they work with the card company. Also, if you are working with a hospital, don't be afraid to go to their financial office and see if they can work with you on payments or even possibly cutting back the costs somehow, you dont' know til you ask, right?

[SECRETSLEEVE]

if you own a car or home you could take out an equity loan on it.

[carolynodien]

If you get CareCredit, make sure you have autopay set up because they are really sneaky about sending you bills just a couple days before they are due, and if you are late they have ridiculous penalties. I found that out about 8 years ago when I needed some dental work done. I don't trust them AT ALL, I know it is my fault for being late and being charged, but I still think they are sneaky and disingenuous and I will never use them again. ( I actually met someone who worked for them and he agreed with me).

[mellymel]

I am in the same boat with bad credit and trying to find loans...almost impossible... I have some from a 401K, then I applied for a credit card through my car payment place and then sent out a mass request .. bits and pieces finally just getting it paid.. it is stressful however I look at it as an investment ... I also worked some overtime.. good luck to you !!

[KennetteW]

Make sure the Dr and the hospital take care credit before jumping through the hoops to get it. I went through all the trouble and had everything all set up, only to find out they don't take it They don't have any type payment plans that they accept. They want their $$ up front. Care Credit won't let you take cash out either to go pay the DR. It sucks. Mine is over $12,000 and that was my only avenue. My insurance sucks and won't help pay for it. So this is the thanks I get for having a job and paying my bills.

[Grace]

Make sure the Dr and the hospital take care credit before jumping through the hoops to get it. I went through all the trouble and had everything all set up, only to find out they don't take it They don't have any type payment plans that they accept. They want their $$ up front. Care Credit won't let you take cash out either to go pay the DR. It sucks. Mine is over $12,000 and that was my only avenue. My insurance sucks and won't help pay for it. So this is the thanks I get for having a job and paying my bills.

Perhaps another doc/hosp?

[yankegal]

its funny, I just read something on facebook that people that are having problems needing surgery, paying bills, are now posting on FB to ask people for help, it may help you. its just a suggestion, I read it only last week. so check into it.

[Evie Sleevie]

Have a garage/yard sale. Sell any unwanted gold jewelry. Roll change. Babysit. Cut corners. You'd be surprised how much you can save once you start a surgery fund!!

Good luck!!