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Patricia was infected with a severe case COVID-19 in March of 2020 that left her in the intensive care unit for almost a month as she fought for her life, assisted and accompanied by only a ventilator and the staff of the ICU. Since it was still the early days of the pandemic her diagnoses was grim and left her family feeling helpless as they patiently waited for phone calls with information regarding her status since no one, not even her husband, was allowed in the hospital. Through the hard work and diligence of the medical professionals, and Patricia’s will to live, she managed to pull through. For that, she and her family are eternally grateful!
The last thing on Patricia or her family members mind was how they would cover the costs of saving her life. They, just like everyone else, would listen to the news. As the media developed more stories and new political initiatives were passed they began to feel a sigh of relief. It felt like a weight had been lifted off of their shoulders when they heard news of relief for medical expenses related to COVID-19. A moment of short celebration was met by the grim reality of how much it truly cost to save Patricia's life when they started receiving the medical bills in the mail despite this initiative. It turns out that while Patricia has good medical insurance, her type of "self-funded" plan was not covered in the relief initiatives that centered on receiving treatment for COVID-19.
Patricia is hoping to receive some assistance with these medical expenses so that she can focus fully on recovering, she still experiences after effects of COVID-19 (headaches, joint pain, shortness of breath), while working three jobs, and trying enjoying her second chance at life with her loved ones.
The total amount charged for saving Patricia’s life: $1,339,181.94
The total amount she is responsible after her insurance: $42,184.20
For more details on Trish's story check this article in the LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-08/covid-treatment-hospital-bills-health-insurance-waivers
The last thing on Patricia or her family members mind was how they would cover the costs of saving her life. They, just like everyone else, would listen to the news. As the media developed more stories and new political initiatives were passed they began to feel a sigh of relief. It felt like a weight had been lifted off of their shoulders when they heard news of relief for medical expenses related to COVID-19. A moment of short celebration was met by the grim reality of how much it truly cost to save Patricia's life when they started receiving the medical bills in the mail despite this initiative. It turns out that while Patricia has good medical insurance, her type of "self-funded" plan was not covered in the relief initiatives that centered on receiving treatment for COVID-19.
Patricia is hoping to receive some assistance with these medical expenses so that she can focus fully on recovering, she still experiences after effects of COVID-19 (headaches, joint pain, shortness of breath), while working three jobs, and trying enjoying her second chance at life with her loved ones.
The total amount charged for saving Patricia’s life: $1,339,181.94
The total amount she is responsible after her insurance: $42,184.20
For more details on Trish's story check this article in the LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-08/covid-treatment-hospital-bills-health-insurance-waivers