non refundable program fees

Did anyone else have to come up with a program fee to pay for things not covered by insurance and if so how much did you have to pay andhow did you get the funds?  Are there any sources or programs that will offer assistance with that amount of money.  I am on social security disability and raising 600 dollars seems impossible and daunting.  We are saving everything we can and cutting back on as much as we can...but I'm kinda nervous we wont' be able to get it all together.  I am just starting the process so I know I have a little while.  Thank you Bobbi JO

Sorry, I can't help you with any information!  Hope you get the answers you are looking for.  Maybe check out other forums......there may be an insurance one on OH, but I'm not sure!
Good luck!!!!

Hi Bobby Jo,

I am not sure about surgeons in your area, but in Portland (Dr Cobean & Dr Wolff)  Casco Bay Surgery does charge a deposit of $500.  After all was said and done, I did get $480.00 (all but my co-pay back)     I was fortunate enough to have a credit card.  From what I understand they do not charge this deposit for people with Maine Care.

I hope this helps you!  

Hi Bobbi Jo.
I didn't have to make a deposit however I did need to come up with my $5,000 deductible and another $5,000 coinsurance along with my office visit copays so I know what you mean when you say you are cutting back and saving.  I wasn't comfortable taking out a personal loan so I took in a border.  I thought I was going to have to make payments to EMMC forever however I'm happy to say I paid all my medical debts 5 months after my surgery.

May I ask who the doctor is that requires the deposit?  Also how will you be paying for the surgery?  Do you have insurance or have you been on disability long enough to be on Medicare?  If so do you have a Medicare supplement?

Ooops sorry.  I should have looked at your profile BEFORE and not AFTER responding.  I do see that your doctor is Dr. Huy Trieu in Augusta and that you are on Medicare.  Are you looking to have open RNY?
Good luck to you!

Bobbi Jo,

Just for your information, because I notice you are from Bangor, have you checked into the Bangor surgeons at EMMC about RNY?  They do not charge the $600 at all.  I am also in your same situation and I did not have to pay that, they do not require that because its all covered in your appointments and surgery.  There are 3 dr's I believe in Bangor, ones that do open and ones that do lapriscopic and its in your area.  Just thought I would let you know.  I to started out in Augusta and stopped because there was no way I was going to come up with $600.  Hope this helps.  Email me if you have more questions...Good Luck!

I'm in the same boat as you trying to come up with the $600 right now.  I basically just plan on paying a little at a time so it won't be as bad as trying to find $600 at once.  It just depends on what will be easiest for you.  Best of luck!

Hi , I was wondering if Dr. Trieu or his office associates gave you that option, to pay a little at a time. I have read the material in the handbook and it says until you pay that amount you will not be able to proceed with surgery.  What you mention would be a great option, when I spoke to Lori via email  and asked about a waiver or scholarship option she told me no there were none of those programs and didn't think there would ever be.  I just got the impression it was all cash all at once or no final consult with the surgeon or the surgery until that was paid.  Let me know what you know.  I really appreciate your responding to my posts with information.; It is very helpful.  My brain is just swimming right now.  Have a great day, hugs to you.  Bobbi Jo

What I plan to do is pay a little at a time and have it paid in full prior to my final consult.  I don't know why they wouldn't take $25 or $50 a week if it's easier for us.  I will ask when I go Tuesday for my NUT appt. though.

I work in an office, it is a construction busness but i have been fortunate to speak directly with our insurance agent and she says that it is illeagal for these doctors offices to ask for money up front. I khnow because I mentioned that I will have to leave a $ 500 deposit for our surgery. I had know about the $500 when I started this a year ago so I was able to save up the money. The insurance agent wanted to know if I wanted her to intervene and I said no because I will end up having to pay that as part of my deductable anyway. I don't know if this help at all, good luck..