Blue Cross says more to million dollar baby claim

The Saskatchewan Blue Cross says there is more to the story of a Humboldt family facing nearly a million dollars in medical bills.
 
Jennifer Huculak went into labour early while on a trip to Hawaii last year and her baby spent several weeks in intensive care.
 
Before her trip, Huculak said she purchased Blue Cross insurance and got the green light to travel from her doctor.

“We were told we were covered. We paid our premium. We obviously still feel that Blue Cross should cover the bill,” she said, adding her family is now facing bankruptcy.

The total bill of $950,000 included more than $160,000 for Huculak’s hospital stay and $40,000 for a medical evacuation, she said. The rest of the cost went to care for Huculak’s daughter.

So far, she said Saskatchewan Health has paid for $20,000 of the bill and the U.S. picked up the cost of Reece’s delivery, at $12,000. That leaves $918,000, she said.

Blue Cross denied her claim, citing a pre-existing condition.

Raiders AGM

Raiders impact on Prince Albert local economy continues to go up: AGM report

1h ago

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

Dec 11, 2024

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

Dec 11, 2024

“I had a bladder infection and I hemorrhaged a bit at four months,” she said. “My doctor saw no reason for me not to go.”

On Monday, Blue Cross released a written statement on the matter.

“In a two-page letter to Ms. Huculak dated Nov. 15, 2013 we provided a full, point-by-point explanation of our review, citing nine specific events that prevent us from accepting her claim,” the statement reads.

The letter has not been provided to News Talk Radio.

The insurance provider goes on to say that they urge the family to have their decision reviewed by an independent ombudsman and will cover any costs associated with preparing the claim for review.

Last week, a Manitoba woman started an online campaign to raise money for the family. As of Monday afternoon, donations reached nearly $8,000.

 -With files from Canadian Press

news@panow.com 

On Twitter:@princealbertnow