If I pay for surgery this year but have it next year, which year’s deductible does it count for?

Hello all,

I have a major surgery coming up with an out-of-network provider, so I will need to have the surgery and then file for reimbursement. My employer-provided health insurance (Aetna) for 2022 doesn’t cover out-of-network providers this year. But starting 2023, our Aetna plans WILL cover out of network providers and procedures.

So here are my questions:

If I put a down-payment now this year, or even pay off the entire surgery in advance this year, and I do the surgery NEXT year when my out-of-network procedures are covered, will the money that I paid this year count towards NEXT year’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum?

Will I be able to claim the entire cost of my procedure that I already paid for this year, NEXT year, for the sake of reimbursement?

Or will they say, “oh whatever you paid for last year falls into the non-coverage zone cause last year we didn’t cover out of network providers”?

I’ve already called Aetna about this but they seemed confused by my question and couldn’t answer it so I thought I’d ask here as well before I attempt to call them again. Thank you!

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