Got my bill .......

I had a hospital lower my bill by 40%. I told them flat out I couldn't pay them. They did get a large check from my insurance policy. Never hurts to ask. 

I thought about that, but I'm sure they'd look at my financial situation and say no.  Believe me, I'm not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination in fact I'm a few hundred $ over the poverty line.  

I would try it. It wouldn't hurt. I own my own business and I don't really qualify for anything. They got a ton of money from my insurance. So I figured I would try it. 

What exactly did you say to them and how did you word your request?

I totally said I don't have the money right now. 

Non-profit hospitals have payment assistance programs to help low income patients cover copays and coinsurance amounts, and they generally cover patients up to 200-300% of the poverty line.  Ask about their medical assistance program and what qualifications you would have to meet.

we're still making payements on my surgery and will be for the next year or two.  My out of pocket max was like $6600, which we met, and we're paying the hospital $150 a month.  

My deductible was met from a previous hospital stay.  My out of pocket balance is $1400 but my insurance won't consider anything I pay to go towards my out-of-pocket because they said surgery is elective even though I have a heart condition and apnea.  Nice huh? 

All surgeries are considered elective if they are not emergent, so I am puzzled that the insurance company won't credit your out-of-pocket towards your maximum out-of-pocket.  Are they considering it cosmetic?   I'd call again and ask them to quote you the exact provision in your evidence of coverage that states that your coinsurance/copayment for your sugery isn't subject to the out-of-pocket max.  If it does not specifically say that (e.g., "any co-insurance for bariatric surgery will not be applied to your maximum out-of-pocket") then you should appeal.

Very interesting.  I'll look into it.