Hello, thank you for your kind words. I am so sorry Medicare is giving you problems. As a Social Worker, I can tell you there are ways to fight the system and work around that fee!!! If you contact Medicare and explain your situation and right a letter requesting they waive the fee on the basis of fixed income, they might...It's worth a shot. Also, many hospitals and associated Doctor's offices have patient assistance funding which is money set aside to absord the costs of medical bills for people on limited and fixed incomes...Finally, call your local social service agency and health clinics. Some will put up money to help pay medical expenses...If it doesn't work in Michigan, here in Cincinnati @ University Hospital, one of my client's had this surgery while on Medicare and paid nothing out of pocket...It's worth looking into if you need it done. Good luck and thank you for your kind words.