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

In August I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. My surgeon at Saint Anne Hospital recommended valve repair surgery, and I have been placed on the schedule for November. The hospital's financial office gave me a written estimate of $1,000, and after what our health plan will pay, I'm still $600 short. Doctors at Saint Anne Hospital told me a benign brain tumor will get worse without valve repair surgery. I work as a school bus driver, and I have saved what I can, but the estimate of $1,000 is far beyond what I've. Until the surgery I can't work full days, and my hours as a school bus driver have already been cut. Every week of waiting means more pain and a bigger risk. The recovery period is expected to take about 7 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. I'll pay the hospital and pharmacy directly and post every receipt in the updates section. Where the $600 goes: • Pre-operative tests and imaging: $105 • Surgeon and anesthesia fees: $300 • Travel and lodging for the family: $45 • Post-operative medication: $30 • Physiotherapy sessions: $120 Glad we found this place. - Naveen