Out-of-Pocket Estimate

An estimate of the amount that you may have to pay on your own for health care or prescription drug costs.

The estimate is made before your health plan has processed a claim for that service.

If you are going into the hospital or surgical center you can expect a courtesy call the day before to inform you of their estimate of what you will have to pay.

Expect to be asked, "How do you want to pay?"

♦ Suggestion: Refuse to pay until you have seen the final bill and can compared it to what your insurance company says you owe.

The final cost can vary quite a lot depending upon the coding used to submit the claim. Waiting to see the final bill is the safest.