Valve repair surgery for Esteban: covering what insurance won't

In November I was diagnosed with a cleft palate needing repair. My surgeon at Iztapalapa Regional Medical Center recommended valve repair surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for February. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $3,500, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $2,100 short. Doctors at Iztapalapa Regional Medical Center told me a cleft palate needing repair will get worse without valve repair surgery. I work as a retail assistant, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $3,500 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a retail assistant have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. The recovery period is expected to take about 5 weeks. I'll not be able to drive 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 $2,100 goes: • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $680 • Hospital stay (3 nights): $840 • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $170 • Post-operative medication: $65 • Physiotherapy sessions: $195 • Travel and lodging for the family: $150 Please ask me anything in the questions section. I'll answer honestly and quickly. - Esteban