ACL reconstruction for Pooja: covering what insurance won't

In September I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the right knee. My surgeon at Surat Community Hospital recommended ACL reconstruction, and I have been placed on the schedule for November. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $630, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $500 short. Doctors at Surat Community Hospital told me osteoarthritis in the right knee will get worse without ACL reconstruction. I work as a warehouse packer, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $630 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a warehouse packer have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. The recovery period is expected to take about 5 weeks. I'll not be able to climb stairs during that time, so this has become a financial emergency as well as a medical one. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $500 goes: • Hospital stay (4 nights): $270 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $50 • Post-operative medication: $50 • Physiotherapy sessions: $130 Thank you for reading my story. - Pooja