For anyone that has already had surgery and you have BCBS Federal- Basic, did you have to pay for 30% of the drugs/agents (anesthetics) that were given to you during your surgery or the medications that were given to you while you were in the hospital?

I'm getting conflicting information. I was told by the insurance company that anesthesia is covered 100% but I'm responsible for 30% of the drugs or agents used during my surgery.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Shirley here, retired from Veterans Affairs. I had a stroke 2011 for which the total bill was over $27,000. My cost was only a few hundred, mostly for specialists fees. I do not remember any specific charge for drugs used during surgery. In November 2012, I had a partial knee replacement. The bill was over $40,000 for which again I only paid a few hundred. In February this year, I had some spinal reconstruction, for over %80,000 and once AGAIN, I only paid a few hundred. BCBS Federal is the most awesome insurance coverage I have ever had. So even if your bill itself is some crazy number, your out of pocket shouldn't be so bad.

Great question. I also have BCBS Federal and wanted to know how much I needed to pay out of pocket. I was told it was $150 for the surgeon, $150 per day in the hospital/facility, and 30% for the drugs. I have put several calls into the doc office but still have gotten no response. I will be out of work for two weeks, God willing, and do not want to use my leave. Any help on this is greatly appreciated

I have BCBS federal (TN) and paid $300 for my surgery and hospital stay Period. And I was hospitalized for 2 days on 8/19. Just make sure that everyone you deal with (anesthesiologist, ect) are in the network. I was soo afraid I'd be hit with some sort of astronomical drug bill and I couldn't rest easy until I saw my EOB!

I had surgery last year. It was $300. I was told by my insurance rep that it would be the same this time.

Hello. I have Fed BC/BS basic. I paid $150 to the physician and $150 to the hospital. I did not pay anything else out of pocket. Just be sure (as stated above) that your Dr and hospital are in the network. It is wonderful insurance:)

Thanks everyone!! I've already confirmed that the surgeon, hospital, anesthesiologist, and everyone else involved are preferred providers.

Again, thanks so much for your input!

Just to follow up, I finally got BCBS, in writing, to confirm that there is no 30% charge for drugs/agents for inpatient care. I hope this helps. They said:

"for covered 2013 inpatient stays you would be liable for the $150 per day, $750 maximum co-payment for the hospital, that includes anesthesia, supplies and equipment; you have no liability for doctor's visits while you are an inpatient at the hospital, but you are liable for a $150 co-payment for each surgeon which is a separate liability. The 30% co-insurance usually applies to outpatient services, at a doctor's office or outpatient facility."

Thanks! How do you find out if everything is in network? Do you wait for the hospital insurance people to call you before the surgery?

Try going to www.fepblue.org. In the toolbar across the top of the homepage, their is a category called Service Providers. I guess you could start there. Keep in mind that I am in Chicago. You need to find what is available in your own local....but this is a federal site, so you should just be able to type it in.

I ask the provider and then sometime call the 1-800 to double check. Can you tell I've been burned once or twice

Just to follow up, I finally got BCBS, in writing, to confirm that there is no 30% charge for drugs/agents for inpatient care. I hope this helps. They said:

"for covered 2013 inpatient stays you would be liable for the $150 per day, $750 maximum co-payment for the hospital, that includes anesthesia, supplies and equipment; you have no liability for doctor's visits while you are an inpatient at the hospital, but you are liable for a $150 co-payment for each surgeon which is a separate liability. The 30% co-insurance usually applies to outpatient services, at a doctor's office or outpatient facility."

awesome! Thanks! Im going with the RNY surgery instead of sleeve ive decided.

Here is a question and obviously I am going to call BCBS but the labs we have to get preop, the doc staff told me to go to Quest. Did u pay for the labs to be done?

Here is a question and obviously I am going to call BCBS but the labs we have to get preop' date=' the doc staff told me to go to Quest. Did u pay for the labs to be done? [/quote']

I didn't pay anything for labs.