Question:
How do I balance these needs?

Yesterday I found out my insurance (Cigna PPO) has approved me for gastric bypass surgery! YAY, right? Maybe not. I was permanently laid-off my part-time job April 30th. I'm trying to get my Unemployment Benefits. I've also been trying for 9 mo. to qualify for Social Security Disability due to some serious health issues (not all of them related to obesity). Needless to say, money at our house is pretty tight right now. I found out that insurance is paying 80-20, which means our part might come to a bit less than $3,000. That is so much more than we can afford at this time, but I desperately want (and need) the surgery. Any advice for me?    — Kathy B. (posted on May 19, 2002)

May 18, 2002
You owe this surgery to yourself. Don't let $3,000 keep you from LIFE. Make payments on the balance due and as long as you pay a little at a time, there should be no problem. Do it NOW while you still have insurance.
   — Annie H.

May 18, 2002
I agree with Annie. The 3000. remainder can be paid over time and hospitals are ALWAYS willing to cut a deal. At least after the fact. Medical expenses are almost always unexpected and most people dont have that kind of money just laying around. So generally hospitals are very good about payments especially when they have received most of the payment already from the insurance.
   — RebeccaP

May 18, 2002
I wish you lots of luck. My doctor had to have ALL co-pays paid BEFORE he would do the surgery. Luckily, I only owed $149, so it wasn't it problem. I would find out if they would be willing to make a payment arrangement before you continue the process. Best of luck to you!!!
   — stacey L.

May 19, 2002
Is there anyone you can borrow the money from? I had to pay about $1,000 out of pocket for my surgery, and I didn't have it. I was able to borrow the money from my mother, and I'm paying her back a little every month. Just a suggestion. But you do need to find out if you have to pay that $3,000 UP FRONT. Because the $1,000 I had to pay had to be paid up front. It wasn't a matter of being billed after the fact and paying then. I had to pay everything first. Good luck!
   — Kristie B.

May 19, 2002
Hi, I was in almost the same situation. I was cut to 16 hours a week at my job. I begged and pleaded and got the $2500 I needed for the Dr. and I am paying the hosiptal a little a month on their balance. I would do it that way over again. This has changed my life and I now have a raise, 40 hours and a new title at work! It is worth it. In fact, money was so tight the month before my surgery, I had to sell my house or lose it. I did not make a penny off of the sale in still owe my mom for bailing me out but I am happier now then I have been in a very long time. My husband is happier, my kids are happier and we make more money now. Go figure, it was worth it. Take care, Andrea
   — Andrea P.

May 19, 2002
Some insurances even though they have the 80-20 plan will also have an out of pocket maximum. So, while the full 20% may seem to be too much, maybe your out of pocket maximum is less. I would check to see what yours is.
   — Shelley.