en.wikipedia.org Imagine being struck by a medical emergency in another country that your insurance won't cover. What a nightmare. But that's what happened to a British couple.
On a five-day holiday in the New York, they were walking through Central Park as part of a movie tour when the woman went into labour 11 weeks early. Their 3lb. premature baby son was born at Lenox Hill Hospital on December 28, running up a £130,000 (US $199,255) medical bill.
Although delighted to welcome their baby, the couple worried about how they could pay the bill.
Not only that, but they had been told their tiny baby may not be able to fly until March 10. How could they fund their unexpected stay?
A friend back in the UK set up a Facebook campaign on New Year’s Day. By Friday afternoon the fundraising page entitled “Dax’s Tale of New York” had raised $9,577.68. Nowhere near the amount needed.
But, surprise, surprise, the hospital caring for their son has now promised “there will be no financial impact to the family”.
The father announced on a fundraising Facebook page: "Great news! I believe I can confirm that all medical bills will be covered! It's been a long wait but well worth it!
"Due to the publicity that has gone on around the whole story, it has forced them to pay!"
On Friday a hospital statement said: “Lenox Hill Hospital continues to work with the insurance carrier regarding payment approvals for all services rendered by the hospital, anesthesia and physician services from their insurance carrier. We will ensure that there will be no financial impact to the family.
“In addition, our staff has been going above and beyond to ease the overall experience for the family, from arranging a place to live for the duration of their stay to helping them communicate with their family in the UK.” See full Telegraph story.
On a five-day holiday in the New York, they were walking through Central Park as part of a movie tour when the woman went into labour 11 weeks early. Their 3lb. premature baby son was born at Lenox Hill Hospital on December 28, running up a £130,000 (US $199,255) medical bill.
Although delighted to welcome their baby, the couple worried about how they could pay the bill.
Not only that, but they had been told their tiny baby may not be able to fly until March 10. How could they fund their unexpected stay?
A friend back in the UK set up a Facebook campaign on New Year’s Day. By Friday afternoon the fundraising page entitled “Dax’s Tale of New York” had raised $9,577.68. Nowhere near the amount needed.
But, surprise, surprise, the hospital caring for their son has now promised “there will be no financial impact to the family”.
The father announced on a fundraising Facebook page: "Great news! I believe I can confirm that all medical bills will be covered! It's been a long wait but well worth it!
"Due to the publicity that has gone on around the whole story, it has forced them to pay!"
On Friday a hospital statement said: “Lenox Hill Hospital continues to work with the insurance carrier regarding payment approvals for all services rendered by the hospital, anesthesia and physician services from their insurance carrier. We will ensure that there will be no financial impact to the family.
“In addition, our staff has been going above and beyond to ease the overall experience for the family, from arranging a place to live for the duration of their stay to helping them communicate with their family in the UK.” See full Telegraph story.
flickr.com How social pressure has changed over the years. Once, the couple might have needed to call on diplomats to handle their situation. But now a social site can bring a hospital to its knees by waiving the fees.
Have you heard of another story about a social site creating change?
(I'm linked with WriteTribe. http://writetribe.com/write-tribe-pro-blogger-challenge/ )
Have you heard of another story about a social site creating change?
(I'm linked with WriteTribe. http://writetribe.com/write-tribe-pro-blogger-challenge/ )
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