Who pays for recall surgery?

"Guidant, which recalled or issued alerts for about 50,000 devices in the past month, has offered to provide a replacement device for free and reimburse the patient for up to $2,500 in uncovered out-of-pocket expenses. While that is a significant offer, considering the ICDs run $20,000 to $25,000 each, it still leaves someone picking up the tab for doctors' fees and hospital charges, which average $23,000." [startribune.com]