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

Venkatesh was diagnosed with a hernia that has become strangulated in August. The surgeon at Pune Community Hospital recommended knee replacement surgery, and He is scheduled for November. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $1,300, and after what our health plan will pay we're still $650 short. my son has been in and out of Pune Community Hospital since August. The doctors say a hernia that has become strangulated will get worse without knee replacement surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $1,300 is more than we can find. While we wait, Venkatesh struggles with daily life and can't walk without help. His family has taken turns caring for him, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. Recovery is expected to take about 5 weeks. During that time Venkatesh won't be able to walk without help, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $650 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $260 • Hospital stay (5 nights): $200 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $65 • Post-operative medication: $40 • Physiotherapy sessions: $50 • Travel and lodging for the family: $35 Ask me anything below before you decide. I'd rather you were sure.