Question:
How do I get the $ that the Ins. Co. wont pay?

Any good ideas of how to raise the money? I found out that the surgeon who is going to do my surgery needs an additional $2000.00 in order to do my surgery. I have now developed high Chloresterol and Severe Adema to my legs. I am in need of some good advice!    — Ron L. (posted on October 14, 2002)

October 13, 2002
How about selling some extra stuff at a garage sale or flea market? Makes for a less cluttered home as a bonus. You could borrow $ from friends and family. Do all surgeons in your area require this? Perhaps they would take a payment plan. If all else fails get a credit card and use it just for this.
   — bob-haller

October 14, 2002
Ron, First, call your insurance company's customer service line and make sure that this is OK that you have to pay that extra amount. If you have an HMO, he can not charge that, and most other managed care companies have similar rules. Unfortunately, some docs try and take advantage of a emotional situation. BUT, if you really do need this money, for co-pay, or out of pocket expenses, you can contact your church and other local support groups for some assistance.
   — Vicki L.

October 14, 2002
I have heard of this kind of "extortion" before. I'm surprised how prevalent it is. My advice is to shop for a surgeon that will take what the insurance pays, or change insurers (not so easy, I know). My only out-of-pocket has been a $20 co-pay on each visit to the surgeon.
   — Lin B.

October 14, 2002
try pet sitting look up an ad in phone book for pit sitters and call them and see if they are hiring pet sitters I did that in addision to my normal job. you can walk pets in the evenings and early in the morning it ggood exersice and you can make great money if the busness you works for has a good turn around it really pays well around the hoildays because allot of people are away and you make good tip money. try doing that. sheri burke
   — sheri B.

October 15, 2002
This might be a last resort for you, but I know there are companies that specifically make loans for medical needs. I have no idea what the interest rates are but it's pretty much like any other loan, where you pay it back over time. I can't think of any of the names right now, but go online and look under something like "Medical Loans," or you might even find them in your phone book under Insurance brokers and companies.
   — Arlene S.