Deductibles

Hi guys. I have a question about deductibles. I have to be honest and say, I have never ****il now) had insurance before and don't know or probably even understand anything about it! I have BC/BS Ala. through my husband's work. Apparently they cover gastir bypass, and from what I know so far it sure seems like it is going to be a breeze. However, I keep hearing different things about deductibles. Some have said it will be small ....maybe $400 I will have to pay. Others have told me it could be quiet large. I have even had a few people say I won't have to pay anything. Also, I just got signed on to my husband's insurance, so will there be a waiting period or time frame of how long I have to have the policy before I can get the surgery. Any info is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 Do you have a PPO or HMO? With a HMO you should know all your copays beforehand. It  usually says on your insurance card. PPOs are all different and your out-of-pocket will depend on what your copay is some people  have 80/20, some 90/10. You can call up your DH's insurance and ask them, you may also want to ask for (or go online and download) their criteria for WLS. That way if they require a 6 month supervised diet or whatever you can start on it asap. Oh btw you might have additional costs beside your copay, some surgeons require  a surgeon's fee or program fees. You'll find all that out once you are actually referred to a surgeon for WLS. Best of luck

Definitely call your insurance co. I'm coming down to the wire for approval and just happen to call and found out I have a $1,000 deductible and have to pay 30% OIY!!

I called my insurance company and asked this exact question (thank goodness I thought to ask so I could budget accordingly!).  I have to pay $300 deductible plus 20% of the cost, so it will cost me $5,500 out of pocket  (assuming I get approved at all).