Cant Afford Jaw Surgery

Message

#1 Post by **UhOh** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:17 pm

So I went to consult with an orthodontist today and I am trying to get some braces (yes a lil late) but I was told before braces I need jaw surgery. Jaw surgery costs near 10-20k and being a college student there is no way I can afford that. I cant get the braces without having jaw surgery. I dont really know what to do. Most insurances dont cover jaw surgery so I am pretty much doomed. Any ways I can get around from paying 10-20k sometimes even 30k?

#2 Post by **teylix** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 1:17 am

loan shark? just kidding...

either you try hard to get insurance to pay or just wait till youre out of college and making some money. a few years won't kill you although once youre determined, it is hard to take it off your mind.

#3 Post by **AF104** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 2:23 am

Saying that most insurance companies don't cover jaw surgery is a general comment not specific to you. What level of coverage does your insurance company provide?

#4 Post by **archangel689** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 8:34 am

Doing this without good insurance is not a smart move. Insurance companies have contracts with in-network hospitals and providers where they get massive discounts on expensive hospital services.

I looked at the numbers recently for my bsso. For instance, without insurance, it would have cost $20,282.22 for just hospital fees alone, but the insurance company only paid $5,780.40. I paid nothing.

In any case you are best finding a job where they offer blue cross blue shield PPO, or moving to pittsburgh for upmc lol. aetna, which a lot of people have is considered terrible insurance around here.

#5 Post by **megankaz** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:08 am

I have BCBS PPO- and they would not cover my surgery. I've paid cash 10K for the surgery alone. The OS gave me a discount for paying cash and now I'm just waiting on hospital bills. I'm expecting a total of about 20Kish. I saved over $1K a month-- and it's worth it. Now, even though my insurance didn't pay for it, my company is giving me off 6 weeks at 100% paid. So, I guess in the end it will all work out

#6 Post by **HokieTay** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 1:13 pm

Really Megan? Was orthognathic surgery specifically excluded in your plan or something? I have BCBS, albeit through a federal employee program, and they covered mine. I could not find an in network surgeon I felt comfortable with so I am still paying a chunk out of pocket, plus braces, but they approved mine.

#7 Post by **megankaz** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 4:12 am

It was specifically excluded from my plan EXCEPT for the following:
The jaw deformity had to have been diagnosed 31 days after being born (SERIOUSLY !?) or it had to have been an accidential injury for them to cover it. HOW ANNOYING.

#8 Post by **Figamentation** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 12:23 pm

megankaz wrote:It was specifically excluded from my plan EXCEPT for the following:
The jaw deformity had to have been diagnosed 31 days after being born (SERIOUSLY !?) or it had to have been an accidential injury for them to cover it. HOW ANNOYING.

This is a common exclusion from policies because it brings down the employer cost significantly and company executives usually don't think their employees need it.

My company's policy had the same exclusion but I didn't let that keep me from getting the surgery. I went on a hunt and my oral surgeon actually performed the surgery at a county hospital for no charge, I ended up having only 200 dollars in hospital fees....granted I was a special case but there are many options out there if you dig around hard enough. I am in Chicago but I've heard of situations like this around the US.