Down payment before c section

I have a planned c section in a couple weeks due to medical reasons. I was told today that the hospital doesn’t accept my insurance. My OB does but the hospital doesn’t. Which this isn’t what I was told initially when I first got pregnant. And I won’t be given assistance because the hospital isn’t the closest one to me. And because of both of those things I need to put down $6,000 before my surgery in two weeks. So I’m kinda scrambling here. Trying to find a hospital and OB both in network, but I’m 37 weeks and a lot of these in network providers aren’t accepting new patients. Only two offices have said they will see what they can do after reviewing my medical records, which I’m waiting for them to be transferred over. However, what happens if I don’t play the $6,000 upfront to where I’m currently scheduled ? Can they deny me? This is my first baby so I’ve literally never had to navigate this before.

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Can you just keep your regular OB and have your surgery done at the hospital that does accept your insurance ? Are you in the US? I have never heard of this before !?

@Aspen I am in the US. And my OB only works out of this hospital

Hi! I’m a hospital administrator in CA. Yes a hospital can deny scheduling your procedure without a down payment. Unfortunately a planned csection is bucketed under “elective” vs necessary. They can not deny a csection if you showed up in labor and it turned out you needed the csection. But I hope it doesn’t come to that situation! If you want any help, feel free to message me.

What in the american healthcare system....I hope you get the help you need! This is an insane situation to be stuck in.

Damn, I feel for you guys in the US!

Omg I really feel for you ladies living in America. I can’t imagine someone telling me I have to pay 6k or I can’t have my baby at the hospital. Sending you a big hug and hope you get it sorted. We really don’t know how lucky we are in the UK!

@Kara Pennington same ! And I’m a nurse ! This seems crazy .. I do t think they can deny you surgery if you don’t pay …

@Sam this is absolutely crazy ! Our healthcare system is awful !

@Aspen if the hospital isn’t contracted with the particular insurance company then the patient has to pay as if they were self pay/cash. And with scheduled procedures, most hospitals will want a deposit since it’s likely the only money they’ll get from it. Many people just ignore hospital bills after the fact.

@Sam I mean I understand that for truly elective procedures but to say a c section in any form is elective is aweful! Moms have plenty to worry about this shouldn’t be one …. … we just need to do better of taking care of people in my opinion ….

@Aspen totally agree it’s awful!

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