So, I cried today

[RehabNurse]

Insurance is not the end-all, be-all. Even though I had insurance that covered bariatric surgery, I still ended up paying $4370 in copayments for all of the requirements.

I had a 90/10 PPO plan through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas back when I was sleeved last year, meaning the insurance paid 90 percent and I paid 10 percent. Here is a list of what I paid:

1. Hospital fee: $24,000 (my portion was 10 percent = $2,400)
2. Anesthesiologist's copay: $170
3. Cardiac clearance: $6,000 (my portion was 10 percent = $600)
4. Upper GI series copay: $111
5. Pre-op appointment: $400
6. Sleep study: $500
7. Nutritionist appointment: $40
8. Psychological evaluation: $30
9. Initial consultation: $30
10. Two follow-up consultations: $60 (two visits x $30)
11. Cardiology visit copay: $30
-------------------------------------------
GRAND TOTAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4371.00

If I had known in advance that I would spend so much money in spite of being insured, I would have eliminated the red tape and spent a grand total of $3,000 on the surgery with Dr. Maytorena in Mexico.

[Lisa73me]

Yes ma'am, even if I got on my fiancé's insurance the deductible is still $5000 and I would have to jump through 6 months of hoops. He has blue cross blue shield as well. I'm going to Mexico...

[flamingomom]

I would seriously consider having it done in Tijuana! I was just there 3 weeks ago to have the surgery done with Dr. Almanza, and I have no complaints and no regrets! Felt very safe there and the Doctor and nurses are the best! I went thru weightlossagents.com and everything was smooth sailing from there. The agents there are so helpful and guide u thru the whole process. I'll have to admit, at first, I was very hesitant, very scared at the thought of going to Mexico for this, but I am so very glad I did. Everything went smooth! Good luck & keep us posted!

[licensetoheal]

Keep in mind that in two years Anything Can Happen your job can switch insurance companies as a lot of jobs do it happened to me several years ago I did everything I was supposed to do to have surgery and then my job switch Insurance Companies don't rely on that totally just keep your options open that's all I'm saying and I wish you the best

[ghost_ryder]

That does not sound right. Can you appeal that to the state insurance commission? I would contact them to find how this is possible.

[americangrrl]

I just got back from Mexico... trust me its fine... minimal down time... $3799 + your airfare,...everything else is included.... we have all researched the hell out of this before we went... I only told my husband, my daughter, and a few co workers... do not wait 2 yrs ... that is their game... beat them at it.... my insurance had a bariatric exclusion too... so I made my own decision.... and I am not sorry.... the choice is urs and urs alone... do not let anyone else complicate it for u.... good luck....

[Gingersnapp]

Well put, Americangrrl!

[Robyn_1313]

Thanks for sharing your experience in Mexico. I think more and more people are going there to have it done, so much cheaper.

[Hal380]

Good Luck Kari

[poodlecamper]

Four days before my scheduled surgery I received a call from the surgeon's office telling me I had to pay $4750 up front, because Medicare will not approve the surgery beforehand. Needless to say, after going through all the hoops, I wasn't going to cancel.
So three weeks post op I called them to check on my status and found out that Immediate had denied my claim! I'm waiting on the appeal now.

[poodlecamper]

Immediate=Medicare

[Leslieann]

I'm paying for the surgery myself and having it done in Florida. I considered Mexico. You get great care there but I decided to stay in the states. I am 58 and just couldn't stand the thought of jumping through all those hoops .
Check around, they have payment plans I'm sure!

[Leslieann]

I'm paying 10K for it and it includes hospital- 2 nights, labs, all pre-op testing,and he's doing my hernia, Florida.

[sraebaer]

I would be (was) thrilled to have surgery in the states. How much would you pay for a car? Aren't you worth about 1/6 of a new car? I had no insurance, so paid in full. Totally worth it.

[stacydev]

I was self pay also - $12750. It was so worth it not to have to go through all the BS to get approved through insurance. Although, since I did not have any comorbidities and my BMI was under 40; my insurance probably wouldn't have approved it anyway. I had my consult on April 2 2015 and had surgery on April 27 2015. That's how fast I roll When I make my mind up about something, it's gonna happen. Do whatever it takes to get the sleeve. Have the surgery here, or go to Mexico. Don't let this insurance thing stop you. If you want it bad enough; you can find a way to make it happen. Good luck!