A Saskatchewan couple had been hit with shocking news when they received their hospital bill after the premature birth of their daughter in Hawaii.
30-year-old Jennifer Hucalak and her husband Darren Kimmel were reportedly given a hospital bill of $1million after their daughter’s unexpected birth and their travel insurance provider, Saskatchewan Blue Cross, is refusing to pay for any of it, according the media outlet The Star.
Before leaving for their two-week Maui vacation last October, Hucalack, who was six-months pregnant at the time, purchased insurance through Blue Cross the day before the couple left and even checked in with her doctor.
“There was nothing on the ultrasound that indicated there was any reason to worry. He said ‘Go relax and have a good time,’” stated the new mother.
The shocking hospital bill may reportedly cause the couple to file for bankruptcy. The Saskatchewan government has reportedly picked up $20,000 and Huculak stated that she is receiving $12,000 in aid to cover the delivery.
“We cannot afford to pay this bill,” stated Huculak.
Huculak further explained that she was “terrified” after receiving the final hospital bill.
“How does anybody come up with a million dollars for a medical bill? We’re just average people that work really hard and wanted a holiday before the baby comes,” stated Huculak, according to Metro News.
In a December 2013 letter sent to the Kapi’olani Medical Center from Blue Cross Saskatchewan, the insurance company reportedly explained why it wouldn’t be covering the costs.
“Ms. Huculak’s emergency medical claim has been denied on the basis that her medical emergency is excluded from coverage under the terms of her pre-existing condition provision, her baby is also not eligible for coverage,” the letter read.
Although their daughter is healthy today, she reportedly had to be incubated for an additional two months after her birth.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen,” stated Hucalak.
She added, “We just want people to know that even though you think you’re covered and insured, you may not be, because this could happen to anybody.”