BCBS Fed Basic - 30% Drug Charges?

[Lulu5 24]

For anyone that has already had surgery and you have BCBS Federal- Basic, did you have to pay for 30% of the drugs/agents (anesthetics) that were given to you during your surgery or the medications that were given to you while you were in the hospital?

I'm getting conflicting information. I was told by the insurance company that anesthesia is covered 100% but I'm responsible for 30% of the drugs or agents used during my surgery.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

Shirley here, retired from Veterans Affairs. I had a stroke 2011 for which the total bill was over $27,000. My cost was only a few hundred, mostly for specialists fees. I do not remember any specific charge for drugs used during surgery. In November 2012, I had a partial knee replacement. The bill was over $40,000 for which again I only paid a few hundred. In February this year, I had some spinal reconstruction, for over %80,000 and once AGAIN, I only paid a few hundred. BCBS Federal is the most awesome insurance coverage I have ever had. So even if your bill itself is some crazy number, your out of pocket shouldn't be so bad.

[mommyofthree 2]

Great question. I also have BCBS Federal and wanted to know how much I needed to pay out of pocket. I was told it was $150 for the surgeon, $150 per day in the hospital/facility, and 30% for the drugs. I have put several calls into the doc office but still have gotten no response. I will be out of work for two weeks, God willing, and do not want to use my leave. Any help on this is greatly appreciated

[1gorgeousgodzilla 192]

I have BCBS federal (TN) and paid $300 for my surgery and hospital stay Period. And I was hospitalized for 2 days on 8/19. Just make sure that everyone you deal with (anesthesiologist, ect) are in the network. I was soo afraid I'd be hit with some sort of astronomical drug bill and I couldn't rest easy until I saw my EOB!

[Brighteyes 237]

I had surgery last year. It was $300. I was told by my insurance rep that it would be the same this time.

[Sunshine22 55]

Hello. I have Fed BC/BS basic. I paid $150 to the physician and $150 to the hospital. I did not pay anything else out of pocket. Just be sure (as stated above) that your Dr and hospital are in the network. It is wonderful insurance:)

[Lulu5 24]

Thanks everyone!! I've already confirmed that the surgeon, hospital, anesthesiologist, and everyone else involved are preferred providers.

Again, thanks so much for your input!

[Lulu5 24]

Just to follow up, I finally got BCBS, in writing, to confirm that there is no 30% charge for drugs/agents for inpatient care. I hope this helps. They said:

"for covered 2013 inpatient stays you would be liable for the $150 per day, $750 maximum co-payment for the hospital, that includes anesthesia, supplies and equipment; you have no liability for doctor's visits while you are an inpatient at the hospital, but you are liable for a $150 co-payment for each surgeon which is a separate liability. The 30% co-insurance usually applies to outpatient services, at a doctor's office or outpatient facility."

[band2RNY 12]

Thanks! How do you find out if everything is in network? Do you wait for the hospital insurance people to call you before the surgery?

[Miss Mac 6,262]

Try going to www.fepblue.org. In the toolbar across the top of the homepage, their is a category called Service Providers. I guess you could start there. Keep in mind that I am in Chicago. You need to find what is available in your own local....but this is a federal site, so you should just be able to type it in.

[chinamama 104]

I ask the provider and then sometime call the 1-800 to double check. Can you tell I've been burned once or twice

[band2RNY 12]

Just to follow up, I finally got BCBS, in writing, to confirm that there is no 30% charge for drugs/agents for inpatient care. I hope this helps. They said:

"for covered 2013 inpatient stays you would be liable for the $150 per day, $750 maximum co-payment for the hospital, that includes anesthesia, supplies and equipment; you have no liability for doctor's visits while you are an inpatient at the hospital, but you are liable for a $150 co-payment for each surgeon which is a separate liability. The 30% co-insurance usually applies to outpatient services, at a doctor's office or outpatient facility."

awesome! Thanks! Im going with the RNY surgery instead of sleeve ive decided.

[mommyofthree 2]

Here is a question and obviously I am going to call BCBS but the labs we have to get preop, the doc staff told me to go to Quest. Did u pay for the labs to be done?

[Lulu5 24]

Here is a question and obviously I am going to call BCBS but the labs we have to get preop' date=' the doc staff told me to go to Quest. Did u pay for the labs to be done? [/quote']

I didn't pay anything for labs.