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

In August I was diagnosed with an aortic valve defect. My surgeon at Hubballi General Hospital recommended knee replacement surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for October. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $1,850, and after what my employer's plan will pay, I'm still $1,300 short. Doctors at Hubballi General Hospital told me an aortic valve defect will get worse without knee replacement surgery. I work as a call-centre agent, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $1,850 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 6 weeks. I'll not be able to lift anything heavy 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 $1,300 goes: • Post-operative medication: $60 • Hospital stay (2 nights): $460 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $580 • Physiotherapy sessions: $140 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $60 I'll keep this page updated with receipts as things happen. - Sakshi