Question:
Has anyone had the WLS and had only Medicare for insurance coverage?

Wanting this surgery, but have only medicare. Am wondering what out of pocket expense I can expect, being on a very limited budget.    — William G. (posted on February 2, 2003)

February 2, 2003
hi William, my best friend had wls in Nov. and medicare was the only ins. she had. She has to pay 400. for the surgeon bill and the 800. medicare deductible for the hosp. She thought she had to pay it up front and took it with her to the hospital when she registered but they didnt ask for it. She has gotten bills for those amts since she got out of the hospital and is paying a little $50. a month on them. Hope this helps. We are in Ky. but since it is a federal program, i would imagine they would all be about the same. Good luck!
   — Delores S.

February 2, 2003
I had my surgery Dec 11 of this year and all I had was the Medicare coverage, I have approx 1400.00 of out of pocket expenses to pay, and that includes the pre-testing expenses. They did not ask for payment in advance so I will pay a little bit at a time until it is paid for! They cant come and take back the surgery if you only pay a small amount each month so dont let this hold you back!..Hugs Karin
   — Karin T.