Medical Bills After Childbirth: A Struggle for the Middle Class

Being middle-class and insured doesn't shield you from the shock of medical bills after childbirth. Jessica, who gave birth at Hospital Sisters Health System, faced this reality. The hospital said they can't discuss individual cases but are committed to fair billing. After NBC News contacted SIU Medicine, Jessica's bills were reduced by $3, 700. SIU Medicine explained that financial assistance is based on income and family size. Jessica and her husband, the Hurleys, started making minimum payments on their credit cards. This led to $18, 000 in credit card debt since their twins were born. They had to manage medical expenses, daycare costs, and Jessica's reduced income.

Becky Munge, another mother, had a life-threatening delivery. Her insurance covered $1 million, but she still owed $8, 000. After her bone infection treatment, she faced another $4, 000 in debt. The Munges have $55, 000 in credit card debt and drained their retirement accounts. High deductibles are a common issue. Dr. Adam Gaffney, a critical care physician, explained that many workers no longer have zero-deductible plans. Wesley Bruce and Ashley Perez had a $7, 000 deductible for their twins' birth. Their insurance didn't cover all specialty care, leaving them with $10, 000 in debt. Nonprofit hospitals must provide charity care, but eligibility varies. Some hospitals require incomes at or below 400% of the poverty level. Families struggling with debt wish for more straightforward solutions, like a federal requirement for hospitals to provide a minimum threshold of financial assistance.

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