I work in the Billing/patient financial services department if a hospital. Insurances set up contract rates with hospitals, that's why they only pay so much of the bill, it's why you pay for insurance. Our hospital works very will with cash patients. If you call the hospital and tell them you are paying cash, they will most likely give you a discount, we do 35%. You could also inquire about financial assistance, depending on your income, you could qualify for up to 100% bring written off. Just be sure to call then and ask for all of your options for payment.