Question:
Why am I having to pay $3000 out of pocket? I was so excited and then the bomb.

I am so upset. I have been sent into a a terrible depression! I am on SSI and and have no money. I never dreamed that I would have to pay an additional money! I was prepared for the deductible. OH MY GOD! What am I going to do now???????    — Kelli O. (posted on July 24, 2003)

July 24, 2003
Hi Kelli, I have seen something like this before with other post, and alot of people suggested doing some type of fund raiser in your honor, or other things to raise some of the monies to help you. It may take longer than you had hoped to get your surgery, but maybe you won't have to pay the whole 3000 out of pocket.. hope this helps, and good luck.
   — kelkel319

July 24, 2003
For me, I have to pay $3120 on the day of surgery. It is a required condition of my policy. The $120 is remaining deductible and my policy requires me to pay 30% (20% usually but my doc is out of network) of the first $15,000 for any surgery procedure.
   — beeda

July 24, 2003
If your on SSI , I would 'assume' your on medicare; regular medicare doesnt pay 100%. If you are on medicare; you might look into a medicare HMO - then you wouldnt have that $3000 out of pocket; just your 'in network - my late husband medicare hmo was $250. An HMO mediare has to covered what regular medicare coveres; which they do cover regular RNY. hope this helps.
   — star .

July 24, 2003
P.s. If you are also 'just ssi' you might qualify for medicaid... check with that too.. so what medicare doesnt put up; medicaid might... if you didnt want to change to the HMO.
   — star .

July 25, 2003
I am a stay at home mom on a tight budget. I have a $2000 out of pocket. I called the hospital before my surgery and set up a budget account. They asked me how much I could pay per month and on what day would I like it due. I told them $15 on the 25th and they said OK. I know $15 must be alot when your on SSI but don't worry about the whole $3000 at one time. Make little payments. They can't put you in jail if you miss one or two. :) Hang in there everything will work out!
   — GAYLE H.