aloha mauiann,

i know it's easier said than done, but please don't let financial reasons stop you from getting the necessary surgery or medical attention that you need.  even if your medical insurance doesn't cover it, getting a loan or borrowing or even making payment arrangments is better than preventing yourself from any necessary medical treatment/surgery you  may need.  there is another moyamoya family member here named 808annie who used to be a kaiser member, but now i believe she is receiving ss benefits.  you may want to email her and ask her about how she dealt with her medical issues when she was a kaiser member.

i guess the first step is to decide whether or not you want to go ahead with the surgery...and then go from there.  i know it's hard, but when making your decision, try not to think of the financial aspect.   i also understand that you do not want to be a burden to your familly as well, but trust me, i know they'd rather have you around.  ;

hope this helps a little... jus my  .

me ke aloha pumehana,
shan