Question:
Queation About Out Of Pocket

Hi I was just wonderingif anyone knows, does the hospital usually work out a payment plan if neede for your out of pocket expenses? Mine is 2500. and my surgery is scheduled for 5/17 and there is no way i can come up with that amount at once..    — drunyan (posted on April 4, 2006)

April 4, 2006
I think most hospitals do. Call and ask for the finance department. Ask them. I am sure they will be helpful. Kathy
   — KathyE

April 4, 2006
$2500???? Where do you live? Mine is $25,000 at Cleveland Clinic in South Florida, and they want it all up front. Good luck.
   — John Hoffmann

April 4, 2006
Hi Dawn, I noticed that you have BCBS ... is the out of pocket cost that you are referring to your 20% of a 80/20 payout from your insurance? If so, many hospitals will get the authorization for the covered amount and the remaining amount will be billed to you. That is how it was with my mom when she had Anthem BCBS.
   — Tiff's On a Mission

April 4, 2006
Dawn, I have blue cross of NC and this is the way it works in my case. Mine is 90/10. I have to pay 10% of the surgeons fee up front which will be $500 and the hospital will bill me for the part thaat I owe them. I dont think it will be much , I know I have a $250 inpatient deductable which may be all I have to pay the hospital after surgery and it can be made in payments. Good Luck!
   — jbailey

April 5, 2006
I have worked for a hospital in the past, and work in a clinic at the moment, and yes, most are willing to work a payment plan out. Here in TX, they *can't* sent you do a collection agency if you make consistent payments of the same amount of money. Just be sure to keep open communication with the hospital. Refusal to work with the patient is typically a sign of laziness, and you can always ask to speak with a supervisor. Good luck!
   — rebeka C.