Palate reconstruction surgery for Gunawan: covering what insurance won't

Gunawan was diagnosed with a thyroid nodule that needs removal in August. The surgeon at Saint Matthew Hospital recommended palate reconstruction surgery, and He is scheduled for October. The hospital's financial office gave us a written estimate of $670, and after what our health plan will pay we're still $400 short. my husband has been in and out of Saint Matthew Hospital since August. The doctors say a thyroid nodule that needs removal will get worse without palate reconstruction surgery. We have emptied our savings and borrowed from relatives, but the estimate of $670 is more than we can find. While we wait, Gunawan struggles with daily life and can't work a full shift. His family has taken turns caring for him, and I've cut my own work hours to be there. Rehabilitation is expected to take about 6 weeks. During that time Gunawan won't be able to work a full shift, so the costs keep growing. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $400 goes: • Post-operative medication: $50 • Travel and lodging for the family: $50 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $300 If you can't give, please share this page. It does reach people. - Ayu