Results: Million Dollar Baby
Published on 11/22/2014
A dream vacation has turned into a financial nightmare for one Saskatchewan couple, after a mom-to-be gave birth while on holiday in Hawaii. Jennifer Huculak and her husband have been saddled with a medical bill of nearly $1 million after she gave birth to her daughter in the U.S. Huculak was six months pregnant when she flew to Hawaii for a holiday with her husband in October 2013. Before her trip, she bought Blue Cross insurance and received approval from her doctor. But two days into her trip, Huculak's water broke and she spent the next six weeks on bed rest in a Hawaiian hospital. Her daughter was born nine weeks early and spent two months in intensive care.
QUESTIONS
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Comments
1.
1.
Do you always buy trip medical insurance when you travel?
Always
13%
247 votes
Never
37%
685 votes
Depends on how long I'm away/where I travel
18%
333 votes
Do not travel
32%
584 votes
2.
2.
Blue Cross is refusing to pay any of the amount, arguing that Huculak had a pre-existing condition. In a letter to Huculak, the company noted the following: "Ms. Huculak was diagnosed and treated for a high-risk pregnancy in the six months prior to departure. As Ms. Huculak is currently hospitalized and being treated for this high-risk pregnancy, any expenses incurred are not eligible under the terms of your policy." But Huculak says that she did not have a high-risk pregnancy, she had a bladder infection which led to bleeding. Her specialist at home in Saskatchewan has written to Blue Cross, saying that the bladder infection did not lead to Huculak's early labour. But her coverage was still denied. Do you believe Blue Cross should cover her medical expenses?
100% they should cover the expenses--she was given the green light from her doctor
58%
1071 votes
Partially, because of the circumstances
15%
280 votes
No, it should be considered a pre-existing condition
6%
112 votes
N/A
20%
366 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
20 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| undecided | 0.22% | 4 |
| 0.16% | 3 | |
| not sure | 0.11% | 2 |
| unsure | 0.05% | 1 |
| insurance companies have paid enough. | 0.05% | 1 |
| i would need to know more about her specific situation. | 0.05% | 1 |
| would have to know more | 0.05% | 1 |
| too much reading | 0.05% | 1 |
| need more info | 0.05% | 1 |
| this days people are dishonest you can't trust nobody. | 0.05% | 1 |
| this is why insurance companies have appeal procedures--and i hope she is successful. | 0.05% | 1 |
| should never plan to travel beyond hometown | 0.05% | 1 |
| i do not know | 0.05% | 1 |
| i don't know | 0.05% | 1 |
3.
3.
Do you always read the fine print, and ask any questions about insurance policies or other documents when you apply for them?
Always--buyer beware!
30%
547 votes
Never
9%
173 votes
Sometimes I do, sometimes not
38%
699 votes
N/A
23%
426 votes
Other (please specify)
0%
4 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.11% | 2 | |
| i do now | 0.05% | 1 |
| too much reading | 0.05% | 1 |
4.
4.
The couple has appeared on national television and support and donations have been coming in to help pay for their medical bills. However, the couple refuses to accept any private donations. Right now, they are deciding how they will cover the bills--possibly by declaring bankruptcy. Do you think they should accept help in the form of donations from others? No, they are doing the right thing by not accepting financial help from private sources
8%
142 votes
They should accept financial help--better than declaring bankruptcy
29%
535 votes
They should go the legal route and fight Blue Cross
24%
449 votes
Not sure what they should do
18%
339 votes
No comment
20%
374 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
10 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| they should declare bankruptcy | 0.05% | 1 |
| take the donations and pay what they can withat then file bk | 0.05% | 1 |
| take donations to pay for lawyer to fight blue cross | 0.05% | 1 |
| combo | 0.05% | 1 |
| survey too long | 0.05% | 1 |
| they should take the financial help get a lawyer fight company if they lose declare bankruptcy | 0.05% | 1 |
| if i were in their position, i wld take the private donations (hey, there's still some great, generous, loving people in the world. if those people want 2 help some1 else out, i'd give them a huge thx & accept it) & i'd continue fighting bc insurance | 0.05% | 1 |
| should except donations, go the legal route against blue cross | 0.05% | 1 |
| 0.05% | 1 | |
| they should do whatever the feel like. this is a really dumb question. and survey. | 0.05% | 1 |
COMMENTS