Watch above: A family from Humboldt, Sask., faced with a $950,000 hospital bill after a premature birth in the United States, may get themselves a lawyer. Jessica Kent tells us travel insurer Blue Cross is refusing to pick up the American tab, at least for now.
HUMBOLDT, Sask. – Saskatchewan parents Darren Kimmel and Jennifer Huculak are overwhelmed by an outpouring of support from strangers around the country to deal with a near million-dollar U.S. medical bill. Amidst the concerns of bankruptcy and lawyer bills, a glimmer of hope; a woman from Lavenham, Man. has set up a crowdfunding page to help.
In October 2013, the pair went to Hawaii. At six-months pregnant, Huculak’s water broke two days into the trip and she was airlifted to Honolulu where she spent six weeks in a hospital on bed rest. Baby Reece was born via C-section nine weeks premature and spent the next two months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
When the couple from Humboldt, Sask. got back home in February, they were slapped with a $950,000 medical bill. Their insurance provider Blue Cross refuses to pay the bill, according to the couple.
Watch below: Parents of ‘Million Dollar Baby’ speak out about their ordeal
In a letter sent to Huculak, Blue Cross stated, “we are unable to provide coverage for any medical expenses incurred for Ms. Huculak’s baby … In addition, please note that Ms. Huculak’s travel policy expired November 9, 2013.”
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Kimmel said Blue Cross assured them they were covered and added they only had coverage until the Nov. 9 because they were supposed to be home on Nov. 8. The couple says they are prepared to take legal action if Blue Cross continues to resist payment.
If the crowdfunding page takes off and Blue Cross does end up paying, the couple will donate the money raised to the NICU in Saskatoon.
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