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Sask. couple prepared to take legal action for $950K baby bill

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).

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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.

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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.”

READ MORE: Travel insurance tips to avoid a million-dollar baby

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.

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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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