I just got the partial explanation of benefits (EOB) for my knee surgery. The doctor's fee is $3,000, he accepted $825. I still need to get the anesthesia and outpatient surgery center bills at a minimum. My total cost for the surgery is $100.
Prince Albert's ankle fusion this last January cost over $15,000 and he paid a similar $100 fee.
He has an expanded Medicare plan and I have insurance through the State of Louisiana. He pays the standard Medicare premium and I pay about $150 a month or so.
Our prescription costs are fairly reasonable also. All of my diabetes supplies and medicines (including blood pressure) are free, most of the others are less than $8. PA's most expensive Rx is $35 a month. Between us we have about 12 Rx. All in all, we're doing fairly well actually.