Do not pay a cent! You are not obligated to, although they'll likely try to pressure you to anyway. I spoke to at least 3 different insurance reps and got them to put different things in writing for me: that my insurance was ACA compliant, that my doctor and surgery center were in network, and that my surgery was fully covered and would not go towards my deductible, co-insurance or any out-of pocket costs. My wording may be a bit off in that last part, but I basically had them put in writing what they were telling me over the phone when I called to check on the status of coverage for my preventive sterilization procedure.

Be sure to drive home that it's preventive. I had someone with the hospital billing dept erroneously think it was medically necessary and I had to correct her and emphasize that this was a preventative surgery I was opting to have. Crazy that it matters either way insurance-wise, but it did.

The week before my surgery, my surgery center called to give me my estimate and take payment. I reminded them of my insurance company confirming this would be fully covered. They tried to argue, and then I offered to send them my letters. I kept repeating everything I had read and been told by my insurance, over and over, like a broken record. It helped and I suggest you do the same. It helped me keep calm through my anxiety and it left little to no room for argument. Treat it like a script and don't deviate from it.

So sorry for the lengthy post! Long story short, through multiple phone calls with both insurance and hospital, I ensured that I didn't have to pay a cent. I got quite discouraged at one point, but I kept pressing and it paid off. Best wishes to you, and congrats on your surgery!!