PLEASE don't assume that your income means you are not eligible for help. Ask anyway, and don't be afraid to call several times to see if there are new things they have found. Often they will say no the first time or two and then they will either find something or realize that you didn't just go away and they will let you know. Also go ahead and apply even if they say you won't qualify - often they don't really know what the income limits are so they say no when it may or may not be true.
You also might do a google search to try to find grants on your own to help with the costs. I know that there are all sorts of infomercials hawking federal grants, and mostly their books are out of date by a long shot, but there are still grants for experimental things. Was this experimental because it was a new technique or because they used a new product or device? If it is a device, contact the manufacturer and ask if they can help with the bill. Even if it is a widely used device, if this is a new treatment or the device has been tweaked then they may be able to help with the costs. Chances are they will NOT advertise this, but it may be on their website or you may be able to call and ask them about it. To find the info on the corporation, try the various databases for businesses, like Hoover's, etc....
I am glad the surgery went well and helped, no matter what Aetna says. Be SURE to appeal Aetna's decision as many times as you can because they are notorious about denying everything the first time or two and then approving it if you appeal enough. It gets them out of paying for a substantial number of claims. I really wish that old Grisham novel about an ins co who denied every claim the first time was just fiction. They don't outright tell employees to do that, but they sure give them lots of incentives to deny claims - they just don't say it outright because that would leave proof of their nasty tricks, Know what I mean??
If she, or ANY of you, have muscle pain problems, ask the dr to rx lidoderm patches. They are lidocaine patches and are used on adults and kids. They cost about $200 a box (30 patches) but they ARE covered by most aetna plans. You can wear up to 3 patches per day, 12 hrs on, 12 hrs off. They are INCREDIBLE for muscle pain, arthritis, etc... They can be cut into shapes and have been super handy for splinters, etc..... I started using them and now both my folks, my daughter, my inlaws and stepmil's daus all use them. I got Star and her mom to use them and they were also amazed and impressed with how they worked. They don't make you sleepy or high in any way, just take care of the pain and let you get on wth life. For the ins premiums you pay, might as well get what you can. These will store for quite a long time with-o any problem as long as they don't get too hot. If you have the ability to get 3 mos worth by mail order, t can be a great thing to have on hand.
