Has anyone used GEHA (united health care) insurance to get their sleeve? I ask because that's the insurance I carry. They made me go through 6 months of going to my primary care physician, psych apptmt, 2 nutrition classes. I pay the Surgeon $325 up front. Here's the kicker, Cabrini hospital told me 3 months ago that the hospital use/ and 1 night stay would be $400 (estimated), 15% of the total cost.

Well I'm at the end of my journey and sooo excited! I've saved $750 for the surgery. (a lot for me being I'm a single mom and school just started so that was a big chunk) My scheduled date is sept. 10th.

Today I called the hospital to get the exact amout of my deductible, which is 15% of the stay. They inform me today that the fee is now $1790.00. , which was negotiated and now is their flat rate cost to Cabrini for the sleeve to be done using their surgery room and 1night stay.. REALLY??????? After all that I have been through and the hospital is just now telling me this??

So now I don't know what to do? Do I switch insurance companies at the end of the year to federal blue cross blue shield?? My cost would be only $700 for everything. Or do I try a different doctor and hospital to see if I can get a better price???

I would call your insurance and ask them what their contracted rate is. Also ask the hospital if you could put down the money you have and make monthly payments. A lot of hospitals don't advertise making payments, but their financial advisors typically work something out.

Going to a new insurance might start the six month diet over. So just be aware if that.

My experience with United Health Care in the past is that they stink. As a retired federal employee now, I still have the Federal Plan with BCBS. For an $80,000 knee replacement, I paid just a few hundred dollars out of pocket. For my sleeve, I am in a 12 week program with all the usual visits with the nutritionist, doctor, psychologist, etc. I am not suggesting you change at this point, but maybe after this is over, go ahead and change for the future. Just sayin'.

Which bcbs do you have? Basic or standard?? And yes I am switching during open season

Just Basic, but it has served me well for many maladies. I was in the hospital with a stroke for 6 days in 2010, and again only out of pocket for a pittance of the cost. FYI, I had excellent treatment and recovery, and my daughter is an occupational therapist. So, I recovered well except for balance and perception issues. I can see, but things are not where I think they are. It took me off the road and makes for an interesting day around the house!

Hi Cricketcree,

I have GEHA, I don't know if it is connected with United Healthcare. GEHA for me only required that I have a BMI of 40 or above or if my BMI is below 40 that I have a comorbidity, have documented 6 months of attempted dieting (the months leading up to surgery count towards that) and that I use a surgeon or practice listed with the "centers for excellence". My DR/practice had just lost their accreditation, but after I appealed and received my approval I was told that the "centers for excellence" only means they've done more than a certain amount of surgeries a year (I think the number is 285?). My appeal only took a week to sort out.

Be sure to check and see if your GEHA plan has a yearly limit on the amount out of pocket you pay for medical. I spent $500 prior to my surgery and my GEHA's policy is that after I reach $7000.00 (yearly) I can't be charged any more out of pocket for medical, so my remaining amount was only $6500.00 (altogether w/out insurance would have been aprox. $45,000).

You were out of pocket $6500? I'm only going to be out approx $2000. But my surgeon told me today that I can wait to opening season to change insurance to bcbs and have it in january and only be out $750. I'm still debating... Don't know is I just wanna get it over with, my scheduled date is sept 10th, or wait and save $1300. Decisions!!!!!

You were out of pocket 6500? I'm only going to be out approx 2000. But my surgeon told me today that I can wait to opening season to change insurance to bcbs and have it in january and only be out 750. I'm still debating... Don't know is I just wanna get it over with' date=' my scheduled date is sept 10th, or wait and save 1300. Decisions!!!!![/quote']

2000 is excellent. I didn't have a lot of choices in my area. I am driving 2 hours and crossing the Canadian border to get service. I found places on the west coast that offered cheaper service but not knowing anything about them made me too nervous to fly out and try them. Good luck!