Tricare Standard - How much did you end up paying out of pocket?

[sara31 2]

How much did your surgery cost out of pocket using Tricare STANDARD (not prime)?

Just trying to get a handle on budgeting.

Thanks!

[sara31 2]

Bueller? Bueller?

[hope2bthinr 0]

Hi, I was afraid I'd end up paying a lot out of pocket after seeing the hospital bill. I ended up about $800 out of pocket for the actual surgery, doc fee, pre-op blood tests n xray, anesthesiologist and dr assistant. I had Tricare Standard in the western region managed by TriWest Health Alliance. Hope that helps.

[sara31 2]

Is that really all??

Was a lot deducted because of "allowable amounts"?

I was trying to estimate 25% of 20 grand and was pushing to try to save up that much....but was really curious what other people ended up paying.

Thank you SO MUCH for answering.

[hope2bthinr 0]

Yes, I think I paid the hospital about $84.00. Their bill was $43,000 but allowed amount was about $7600. It was the copays of all the different billers that added up to the total. I never met my catastrophic cap so it wasn't that that limited the amount I owed. That's why its difficult to find a dr. that takes Tricare. But they are out there. The allowed amount is low, but the cost to the insured...you can't beat it!! I had private secondary ins at the time, more trouble than it was worth, it paid zero. Now I have a cheap supplemental plan that will pay the difference if I need to have any thing going forward, or complications. You might want to check on one before seeking the surgery if you aren't too far into it yet or maybe for afterward in case of complications. Don't think that's likely, but I'm one of those people that likes to be prepared for anything! LOL!! Good luck to you!!

Edited July 23, 2010 by hope2bthinr