I had a minor but expensive surgery in February.  I lost my health insurance in March, when I lost my job.  Will the insurance still pay for my surgery even though I no longer have it?  I’m supposed to go see the doctor again soon, but I cancelled the appointment because I can’t afford to pay.

Stitched Up

Dear Stitched Up,

Yes, the insurer will pay for your care as long as you had coverage on the date of the surgery. It does not matter that in the month after the surgery, you ended your coverage.

With many surgeries, the fee covers follow-up visits.  So, even though you no longer have the insurance, your visit to the doctor may already have been paid for.  Call your doctor’s office and ask.