Thanks. Trust me it will go by so fast. Good luck with everything. If you ever need motivation or someone to talk to...I'm only a click away.

I just wanted to thank  you for your insight. If you find out any more info please write!

Hi, My name is Tampa and I received my approval today after two business days!  I just wanted to say Tricare rocks and I am grateful that they approved me without a hassle.  I'm scheduled to have my RNY at Inova Hospital in Fairfax at the end of March.  Although it's right around the corner and I have a lot to do in a few weeks I'm glad  because the other option was May.  So clear a big spot for me on the losers bench...I'm kinda hippy right now......but that too will past!!   Yeah   

It's actually up to each provider as to when they bill you.  Some providers will ask for the money up front.  A participating provider with BCBS will know how much the BCBS approved amount is.  If they know you have not met your deductible, they may make you pay at the time of service.  This is their right. 

 This is how my insurance works too.  thankfully I don't have nearly that high a deductible, mine is $1,500, then I pay 20% after that for the next $1,500, then the rest is paid at 100%.

With my insurance, and I believe most work this way, the clinic/hospital will take your card and copy it, and you pay nothing on the date of service.  They will bill your insurance, insurance will reply to the clinic and you that the balance has been applied to your deductible and that the whole balance is "patient responsibility", up to the point your deductible is satisfied.  After that they pay at thier rate (80%, 100% or whatever).  But ALL charges are at the insurance companies negotiated rates, so it is a benefit to you, even with the high deductible.