Gallbladder removal for Erica: covering what insurance won't

Erica was diagnosed with a hip fracture that never healed properly in September. The surgeon at Davao City Regional Medical Center recommended gallbladder removal, and She is scheduled for November. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $1,200, and after what the government subsidy will pay we're still $600 short. my mother has been in and out of Davao City Regional Medical Center since September. The doctors say a hip fracture that never healed properly will get worse without gallbladder removal. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $1,200 is more than we can find. While we wait, Erica struggles with daily life and can't look after the children alone. Her family has taken turns caring for her, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. Rehabilitation is expected to take about 8 weeks. During that time Erica won't be able to look after the children alone, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $600 goes: • Hospital stay (2 nights): $500 • Travel and lodging for the family: $35 • Post-operative medication: $40 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $25 Ask me anything below before you decide. I'd rather you were sure. - Gilbert