Hernia repair should only cost $15,000 "list" price. That price should be negotiable toward the amount insurance would actually pay. It is "day" surgery. If you negotiate up front, you ought to be able to cut at least 2/3 off the cost. That would be you only option if not for Affordable Health Care.

As for the Affordable Health Care Act, it does not provide for one time procedures as charity ("mooch" ) but is rather full service health insurance. Using your health insurance is not mooching, at least I have never heard anyone put it that way before. But it is not free either. Sign up for Affordable Health Care, pay the premiums, and utilize the benefits you have paid for just like everyone else.

Inguinal hernias are not to be taken lightly. It is not about the discomfort and bulge. They are very dangerous with or without bicycle riding. They can lead to life threatening infections. Do not screw around with this. Get it fixed. There is no hospital stay. It takes a couple of hours of so, and someone drives you home.