FMLA approved....one more hurdle to go.

[tiffanymarie6997 115]

My surgery is scheduled for April 18th. I've already bought all my Vitamins and such, and have started my 2 week pre-op liquid diet. Now that I know I have the time off work that I need, my last huge worry is the amount that my co-pay for the surgery itself will be. I have been told I'll have to pay it the day of surgery and I am terrified I won't have enough money for it. I'm trying to not stress too much and stay positive, but this could potentially put everything at a screeching halt and I can't imagine not having the surgery at this point. I guess just pray for me guys, and if you don't pray please keep me in your thoughts or send some good vibes my way!

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[kmorri 1,689]

You should be able to get an estimate of the amount you will owe now.....If I were you I'd give them a call and ask.

[tiffanymarie6997 115]

You should be able to get an estimate of the amount you will owe now.....If I were you I'd give them a call and ask.

They told me since I have so many things pending to be applied to my deductible that I wouldn't be able to get an accurate amount until the day of, which is frustrating and stressful ????

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[kmorri 1,689]

@@tiffanymarie6997 If I were you I would ask them to estimate it based on if it had to be paid "today"......at least that way you will know the "most" you'll be expected to pay.....going in blind is not a good idea in my opinion. Another thing you can do is check what your out of pocket maximum is for your insurance plan....... For example for me....I have a $250 deductible and a $2500 max out of pocket......So I know worst case by the time I pay all the doctors and the hospital the most I will pay is my $250 deductible plus 20% but it will not exceed $2500 max out of pocket....so no more than $2750 (deductible + max out of pocket)...my surgeon's office it telling me it should be less than that, but as long as I plan for that I know I won't be surprised. Good luck!

[tiffanymarie6997 115]

@@tiffanymarie6997 If I were you I would ask them to estimate it based on if it had to be paid "today"......at least that way you will know the "most" you'll be expected to pay.....going in blind is not a good idea in my opinion. Another thing you can do is check what your out of pocket maximum is for your insurance plan....... For example for me....I have a $250 deductible and a $2500 max out of pocket......So I know worst case by the time I pay all the doctors and the hospital the most I will pay is my $250 deductible plus 20% but it will not exceed $2500 max out of pocket....so no more than $2750 (deductible + max out of pocket)...my surgeon's office it telling me it should be less than that, but as long as I plan for that I know I won't be surprised. Good luck!

Thank you! I'll give them a call tomorrow and ask. This is my first big medical venture as an adult so I feel a little overwhelmed with the whole insurance aspect as I don't completely understand it all, I'm sure we all feel overwhelmed at some points though no matter how insurance savvy we are. Thank you for your input

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[kmorri 1,689]

@@tiffanymarie6997 I retired from BCBS of Florida after 29 years and you are right it can get confusing!!!

[tiffanymarie6997 115]

I called again today to try and find out a money figure of some sort, spoke to 3 different people and still don't have an answer. One lady told me $8500 and I told her there was no way that was right due to my insurance covering some of the surgery and my out of pocket max. She was surprised that insurance covered it, she said most insurances don't. She still could not give me any kind of estimate though which is really stressing me out. I'm praying I have enough to cover the amount...I'll be devastated if I don't. ????

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Edited April 7, 2016 by tiffanymarie6997

[PissiChrissi 200]

I called again today to try and find out a money figure of some sort, spoke to 3 different people and still don't have an answer. One lady told me $8500 and I told her there was no way that was right due to my insurance covering some of the surgery and my out of pocket max. She was surprised that insurance covered it, she said most insurances don't. She still could not give me any kind of estimate though which is really stressing me out. I'm praying I have enough to cover the amount...I'll be devastated if I don't. ????

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That woman is an idiot. Most insurances do cover it. It just depends on how much. You won't have to pay one cent more than your max out of pocket. So think of that as your worst case scenario maybe?

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[tiffanymarie6997 115]

I'm hoping that's not the case because I'd have to postpone it a bit which is not ideal since I already have my date, FMLA approved, bought everything and doing the liquid diet. I hope it's less than that because I know other things have been applied to my out of pocket. I just wish someone could give me an answer instead of me just hoping for the best and facing disappointment :/

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[tiffanymarie6997 115]

She told me to call back Monday (1 week before my surgery date) and try again. So I guess that's what I'll do...ugh.

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[PissiChrissi 200]

She told me to call back Monday (1 week before my surgery date) and try again. So I guess that's what I'll do...ugh.

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That has to be terribly frustrating! I'm sorry you're having to go through this!

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[PissiChrissi 200]

Have you tried calling your insurance to ask? They might have a better idea?

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[agalindo17 331]

Are u calling the doctor or your insurance company? Usually your insurance will give you an estimate the dr office usually doesn't know what they get paid right before surgery... Also you can check your insurance coverage what's your yearly deductible example I have UHC and after I pay $300 deductible for whatever procedure my insurance will cover 100% of anything I get done for the rest of the year. So if you haven't yet call straight to your insurance company!

[tiffanymarie6997 115]

I ended up looking on Anthem.com and it looks like I only have less than $500 before I meet my out of pocket limit so I'm hoping that means it won't be any more than $500. I'm still going to call and double check though.

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Keep your fingers crossed for me please!

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[agalindo17 331]

See I'm glad you checked! And probably it will only be that!

Good luck!