Knee replacement surgery for Lucky: covering what insurance won't

In June I was diagnosed with an aortic valve defect. My surgeon at Saint Luke Hospital recommended knee replacement surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for September. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $790, and after what my insurance will pay, I'm still $550 short. Doctors at Saint Luke Hospital told me an aortic valve defect will get worse without knee replacement surgery. I work as a market vendor, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $790 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a market vendor have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. The recovery period is expected to take about 12 weeks. I'll not be able to work a full shift 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 $550 goes: • Hospital stay (2 nights): $310 • Travel and lodging for the family: $65 • Post-operative medication: $40 • Physiotherapy sessions: $135 Thanks for being kind about this.