Question:
My insurance will cover me, when will I need to pay out of pocket expenses?

*Yipee* I just found out that my insurance will cover me at 100% after I meet the maximum out of pocket expenses for the year. Will I need to pay this before admission or will the hospital bill me for this. The hospital will be Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital. Thanks!    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 15, 2000)

February 15, 2000
In my case, YES, I had to pay the morning of surgery. It was covered 100% and I paid $100 on the day of surgery. That was in 9/99 and I have not been billed nor have I paid any more. I think the hospital will tell you at the time of scheduling your surgery. Good luck.
   — Dot W.

February 15, 2000
I'm sure this varies from one hospital to another. In my case, the insurance department of the hospital got the info from my insurance and knew that I was going to owe about 3000 out-of-pocket. When I went in for my pre-op testing a week before surgery, they informed me of this and had me sign a paper promising to pay my share. About three weeks after surgery, the bills started arriving. First, the hospital let the insurance company process all of them, then they billed me for the remainder. I ended up paying very close to the 3000 that they had estimated. I paid my bills promptly and got a 10% discount. I know they also would have set up a payment plan for me if I wanted one. I hope this helps, and good luck!
   — Lynn K.