ACL reconstruction for Roman: covering what insurance won't

In August I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the right knee. My surgeon at Auckland Orthopedic Institute recommended ACL reconstruction, and I have been placed on the schedule for November. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $4,400, and after what my insurance will pay, I'm still $2,650 short. Doctors at Auckland Orthopedic Institute told me osteoarthritis in the right knee will get worse without ACL reconstruction. I work as a call-centre agent, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $4,400 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a call-centre agent have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. Recovery is expected to take about 3 weeks. I'll not be able to drive during that time, so this has become a financial emergency as well as a medical one. The money goes straight to the treatment bills, and I'll share the invoices as they're paid so you can see exactly what your gift did. Where the $2,650 goes: • Travel and lodging for the family: $460 • Post-operative medication: $230 • Hospital stay (4 nights): $1,700 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $260 Even a small gift gets used right away and I'll thank you myself.