Question:
Where can I get help with $4500 upfront fee-even WITH insurance

Does anyone know of any resources that might would help with this fee. I live paycheck to paycheck and can't save $4500. It's not there to save. I will get reimbursed 80% AFTER the insurance pays.    — angela D. (posted on April 17, 2002)

April 17, 2002
I had to come up with approximately $8,000 to have my surgery, even with insurance. I took out a home equity loan in order to have it. If you own your own home you might check out this option as you can also write off the interest on your income taxes.
   — Terri H.

April 17, 2002
When I needed money I got a second job and saved that money--Good Luck
   — Robert L.

April 17, 2002
Do you have a flexible spending account where you work?? That would be a good start since any money deducted is pre-tax. Most companies have limits that you can put in from $1000 a year to an unlimited amount. For example, if you decide to have $4500 put into your flexible spending account and you get paid 24 times a year, divide 24 into $4500 and it would equal $187.50 that would be taken out of each paycheck PRE-tax. This would reduce your overall income tax that you are paying and you wouldn't see that complete amount off your paycheck. It would probably be closer to about $75 to $100 out of each net pay. The only problem may be when your enrollment period is. If it's January (most plans are) you'll have to wait until then to enroll in the plan and then the services would have to be rendered in the year that you enrolled.
   — Patty H.

April 17, 2002
here is a link to a website that is suspose to help finance surgery and or your copay. http://www.p-f-s.com I hope this helps.
   — Melanie K.

April 17, 2002
I know your pain, Angela. I have to pay $7500 upfront (not to mention that I need another $6500 for transportation and housing for a month out of state). I will get reimbursed 90% probably within 3 months of surgery. I am a full time student and I don't have a job. I finally ended up begging my dad to cosign a loan with me for $8500. Also, I called my credit card company and they can issue you balance transfer checks (also called Direct Checks) which you can make out to yourself and deposit in your checking account (up to your credit limit). This is NOT the same as a cash advance and the APR is only 5.9% with Citibank (less than I pay for purchases, actually). I know how difficult it is to get that kind of money together, and I wish you the best of luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]