Were you planning onnot taking advantage of Federal Employee's Health Benefits because you will be covered medically as a retired service man? I would think that you could probably hold off on the surgery until you get your new job, apply for FEHB, and let the insurance handle the cost of the surgery. You can probably change your election during open season (health benefit season, not deer season ) in the Nov-Dec timeframe if you really didn't want the benefits. As mentioned earlier, you could probably get a crossbow permit for this season if you wanted to. If you have a good opportunity to get into the govt now, who knows if you'll have the same opportunity later? I'm sure there's someone you can talk to regarding benefits that could help you figure out how to get the surgery paid for and not miss the opportunity. Anyway, good luck to you.