Pricing for WLS

As some of you know, I am in the wanna have surgery stage and am jumping through the hoops to approval.  I have Anthem/BCBS PPO and with our policy, they will pay up to $15,000 for the surgery/everything that goes with it.  Can you tell me about how much I will be paying out of pocket for the surgery expenses?  Our $ is going so many directions right now (no big shocker here) and I'm just trying to figure out how much we're going to actually need.  Thankfully my hubby is supportive and says that even if we have to take out a credit card loan (UGH)!, he will do what he can because he knows that I am committed to the process.  Thank God for that...Looking forward to hearing your views. 
Thank you all, 
Christina  
 

I think that is a fairly tough question to answer as there is no "one price fits all" answer.  Each insurance company has contracted with the hospitals and surgeons on what price they can charge their paitients.  Perhaps the ladies in your surgeons insurance dept can better help you understand that.  I just recieved my statement that was sent to insurance and it was over $39,000, however when the insurance company adjusts the bill according to their contract it will be much less.  I also had a ton of extra tests and spent two extra days in the hospital with minor complications.

Jeannie

I will say it again, NEGOTIATE! See what you can get at a reduced price. It never hurts to ask. Sure sometimes it's gonna be a "no", but not always.

Good morning!! 

Thanks for the advice.  Who do you negotiate with on price?   The insurance department?  The surgeon directly?  I'm all about saving $!!  We are in the process of a very expensive adoption and only with one income as I am back in school ****il December)...so every penny counts. 
Christina

The hospital and surgeon charge you seperately, so you should talk to both about what can be done. Don't forget to ask who the anesthesiologist wil be to, as they will probably also have a seperate charge for their services.

I know at ST V, my friend had a remaining balance and they have a plan where you get 1 year free intrest.  She paid so much every month.  I hope that helps some.  And yes negotiate with hospital and Drs. office....it cant hurt.  It will be the best money you have ever spent on yourself and your family.  HUGZZZZZZZZZZZZ

I have Anthem, although my plan paid 100% it wa intresting to look at th EOB to see what they really paid St. V.  St. V's billed them $32 k for my surgery, their rate with them and the $ they paid to St. V;s was $14 K, so if your plan makes the hospital pay the negoiated set rate for Anthem, you may luck out.

Kim

I too have Anthem  BCBC PPO and I was covered everything except 500.00 hospital copay. They were billed 36,000 for the hospital and another 8000.00 for Dr. Mattar. and Paid what the contrcted amount was 14,000 and 5000.00. Good Luck with your Journey.
shanna

Thanks everyone for your helpful information/suggestions.  It's great to know where I can get my questions answered and support too! 
Blessings! 
Christina