Family Sued For Cost Of Air Ambulance Trip

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Posted: 4:42 PM Oct 16, 2008
Last Updated: 3:05 PM Oct 27, 2008
Reporter: Janet Kim
Email Address: janet.kim@wkyt.com

101 comments

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David and Laura Strickland say they are being sued after flying to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital in an attempt to save their son.

Their son, Aiden, would have been just over 13-weeks-old. He only lived 26 hours before he died. He had a rare heart condition.

When Laura went into labor three weeks early, she says doctors told her the only option was to get to the Cincinnati Hospital fast, so doctors could immediately treat Aiden when he was born.

The attempt didn't save their son, and the Stricklands say they still continued to get heartbreaking news.

The Stricklands say LifeNet told them to pay nearly $17,000 for that helicopter ride. They say their insurance policy would only pay $300 for transportation.

The attorney for the collections agency and the Strickland's health care provider, Anthem Insurance, could not comment at this time.

The Stricklands have since been contacted by LifeNet, the helicopter provider, to discuss the matter.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Cindy Location: Sandy, UT on Dec 17, 2008 at 06:27 AM
Always remember to ask for the "non-insurance cash price". All Doctors, labs, etc jack up their rates for insurance companies, knowing they will only be reimbursed a fraction. If the life flight charges anything like doctors and labs, they jacked up their charges by 50-80%, hoping the insurance company would pay much more than the $300 they did. So the family should ask what the "non-insurance" price is. It could reduce the charge by half or more. Most people don't know to do this. This is why I have a regular Major Med policy but dont use the benefits at the doctor or for labs or drugs. I can get those services much cheaper than I can by running it thru insurance, and paying a huge deductible. Instead those charges are less than HALF what they would charge people with insurance I will only use the major med policy for a catastrophic hospital stay. Then just pay my deductible at that time....

Posted by: John Location: Louisville on Oct 30, 2008 at 06:47 PM
I am selfemployed and pay almost $1000/month for coverage for my wife and I with $1,000 deductibles. When we in America want or need healthcare we want a Rolls Royce. When it comes time to pay, we want a Kia. Americans have to decide, is health care a right or a proviledge? who pays? The governement, our employers, or us? Where does the money come from?

Posted by: John Location: Louisville on Oct 30, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Secondly, if you work for a very large company, you have just met your insurance enemy and it is them.Most people don't realize that very large employers are self-insured meaning the pay the bills for health care not the insurance company.They will contract with an Anthem or others to provide services such as claims processing, etc., and it looks as if you have Anthem, but it is really your employer's money.As far as socialized medicine is concerned, be careful what you wish for.Ask any person in England over age 65 with kidney problems about getting on a transplant list.Not going to happen.This socialized medicine society has deemed it not in the greater goods interest to pay for this due to age.They can just continue on dialysis.Talk to a Canadian about diagnostic services.Why do so many cross the border to be seen by a physician in the US for diagnostic testing?Because they may have to wait for months to get in to the governemnt sponsored or run clinics. continued

Posted by: John Location: Louisville on Oct 30, 2008 at 06:35 PM
My condolences to the family. The loss of this child is one of three very sad things I see in all these postings. The second is the pricing of the Helo Fee and the third is the complete lack of knowledge that most people seem to have about their health care system. It seems most people do not have a clue about how health care gets reimbursed or how they really get the health insurance plans they have (if employed). First off, if you are employed and they offer health coverage, those health plans you dislike were purchased by your company and the coverage was based on what your employer wanted or could afford to offer. Remember they still pay in the are of 50 to 80% of the total premium, not you. Your company chose from a list or ir large enough customized the plans with the various carriers. (To be continued)

Posted by: kyemt on Oct 28, 2008 at 02:56 AM
People really need to look at the subscription service for the air ambulances. PHI and Air Evac offer these and they can really save a lot of money to the patients/and their families if they have to use air ambulance services.

Posted by: Crissy Location: Lexington on Oct 27, 2008 at 09:22 PM
I agree that this is very sad and feel for them in the loss of their child. As for this LifeNet helicopter service, this is just sad on your part, I understand you need payment but could you have set up a payment option for this young couple. I know the UK helicopter has a insurance type plan that covers the bill in full and with no hassle or fine print. Our 16 year old child was in a wreck and had to be life flighted to UK, we paid $0. I also agree with Don from Hazard on Oct 17, 2008 at 10:38 AM. Insurance companys should not be allowed to deny coverage as much as they do. I realize some things are just out there but Anthem should held to pay the 80% on this claim. This was justified. GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY

Posted by: John Location: Richmond on Oct 26, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Mark, no, most people probably cannot afford at 17k bill up front. That's why most hospitals and other places will work out payment plans and/or reduce the cost if insurance doesn't cover it. Yes, most healthcare facilities are for-profit. That's the system we have created. In order to have new drugs, new technologies, etc., there has to be some incentive which is $$$. I feel for the family but if people don't pay their bills than these companies will close up shop and then everyone suffers. I'd be curious to know if the child really needed a helicopter. For the most part, they are way overused and unnecessary. We don't need 22 or however many medical helicopters as there are in this state. There is very little evidence that they save lives. Lately it seems like they're taking more lives than they're saving.

Posted by: Mark Location: Kentucky on Oct 26, 2008 at 09:15 PM
What is sad is that the family has to pay all that money. It is a shame but if it was my child they can come and take everything away from me, I'll live under a bridge if necessary. And it is not a matter of "being lazy", I am a paramedic and can not afford a bill like that..Can you? So I guess in the country number one in the world many will die due to a few getting MULTI-millionaire. Don't get confused, healthcare in this country is a bussiness, a way to make money..What a shame!!

Posted by: John Location: Richmond on Oct 25, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Health care provider, exactly. While the healthcare industry needs some major restructuring, the consumer/patient has to take some responsibility. In some of the "socialized" countries, helicopter transportation would never have been considered due to the benefit vs. cost issue. In order to have the maintain the level of service that hospitals, doctors, etc. provide, the money has to come from somewhere and it isn't the government. Those of us who work for a living are left making up for those too lazy to do so. It's not fair and something's gotta give. Unfortunately, neither presidential candidate has the answer.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Ky on Oct 25, 2008 at 02:17 PM
My question is: If the child lived, would this still be a story? Wouldn't it have been worth the price? It is for many who have received transport both by ground and by air. Second, costs are high because many people don't pay healthcare costs. If everyone paid their bills, costs would be lower. All healthcare is expensive, not just in Kentucky. I do feel that it was a poor choice to send this to collections. I'm sorry for the loss of a child...

Posted by: Health care provider Location: Kentucky on Oct 25, 2008 at 12:29 PM
This is sad. Healthcare is high. Working class pays for the "other" classes. That is life. BUT.....healthcare providers give discounts, even writeoffs, everyday to people that can't pay their bills. I have personally seen people get 5 or 6 bills for service that they never pay and never call about. Finally they are sent to collections. They get more bills...no contact. Then when they want to buy a house and they're credit sucks all of a sudden they are calling wanting to settle because they can't buy a house. This is a very sad situation. But when you think about healthcare providers, we are seeing people on possibly the worst day of their lives. We see sick people that may have just had their life ruined by illness or injury. Many of these people are off work for an extended period of time. Yet this is the first case that has ever hit the media. How many times was the insurance and helicopter company contacted by the family??

Posted by: John Location: Richmond on Oct 25, 2008 at 12:19 PM
People, helicopter transportation is expensive! Not to mention that these are businesses. Someone said they could fly across the country for less than that. Not in a helicopter! Us working people with insurance are left footing the bill for those without or that have government "insurance" like Medicaid. Do you know how much Medicaid pays for a regular ambulance ride? About $75. That's a drop in the bucket, an insult! The same goes for doctors and hospitals. So they have to make up for it by overcharging the rest of us. Even so, much of the debt is just written off and never collected. It's a broken system and not sustainable.

Posted by: anonymous Location: lexington on Oct 25, 2008 at 02:43 AM
i agree that this is very sad and feel for them in the loss of their child -but has anyone checked to see why the child was early- or to check out the financial state of these parents - it is my understanding that they are owners of two successful businesses and may be just using the media outlets topay what they just do not want to pay because it ma interfere with their lavish lifestyle - this really needs to be checked out. our prayers are with them.

Posted by: Big Daddy Location: Kentucky on Oct 24, 2008 at 01:52 PM
The question that needs to be asked is: What happened the previous 12 months? Why hadn't the Stricklands responded to previous attempts at collection? Did they contact their insurance company or the air ambulance company? Both more than likely have set-up a payment plan. A collection agency doesn't come into play unless there has been no response from the customer. Additionally, the Stricklands had to agree to the flight prior to being flown and air medical companies are a business. Their service needs to be paid for. We are lucky to have the services here in KY.

Posted by: foggy Location: mountains on Oct 21, 2008 at 11:29 AM
alan are you serious i admit that some people living off the government need it. however you live in a state that has the highiest disability abouse rate int he united states. so i can see why some kentuckians beleive that lazy people draw checks from the govt. it happens i talk to people all the time on disability and beleive me there are a lot of them. i would say that most are drug users and don't want to work. it is that simple they expect something for nothing and i for one am tired of it. vote republican if you don't want the handouts to be worse and cost us billions more tax dollars.

Posted by: Burton Location: Lexington on Oct 21, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Alan, there are legitimately disabled people and those in need of temporary welfare help. However, the ones I think Donna refers to are the ones - and there are MANY of them - who play the system because they are simply lazy and it has become a way of life in their families to become "disabled" at the first opportunity and then just sit on their butts with their hands out. I'm sorry you were injured. But please realize that for every truly disabled person, there are thousands who have simply obtained an ambulance chasing attorney that wears the SSI system out with appeals until they are granted a free ride for life. We who have weathered injuries and misfortunes in our lives are a little offended by this "sit down at the first sign of adversity and hold my hand out to the working people" mentality that has become a lifestyle for so many. There are rehab training programs designed to allow injured people to refocus their training for a job that they CAN perform.

Posted by: alan Location: Stanford on Oct 20, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Donna....first of all let me add my 2 cents worth here.. i am currently on disability for a bad car accident i had in 2000 when a drunk driver decided he was going too liquor lunch and then get behind the wheel of his car and the first person he seen was me right after he plowed into me.. not only is my lower back and spinal area messed up big time i also have numbness in my right hand and right leg, i lost my job and wasnt able too get another one so i had no choice but too sign up for that " free check" so you like too say, i also get medicade for which i am very thankful for...my opinion here is you need too think before you speak cause some day you might be in the same situation myself is on or anyone esle for that matter...sweep in front of your own door cause u might find urself on the wrong end of it some day....

Posted by: david Location: georgetown on Oct 20, 2008 at 07:12 PM
To leo from Paris,you can not send a payment to LifeNet they are suing us and have turned the case over to a attorney.So if you would like to help you would have to send to us. Thanks,David Strickland

Posted by: John Location: Stanford on Oct 20, 2008 at 06:27 PM
My question is did the family mak a appeal to the insurance company, did they contact the billing company and offer payments? Their is only so much a billing company can do you have to do some work when your insurance turns it down the first time. If it is ignored this is what happens. A very expensive service was provided.

Posted by: Jacquee Location: KY on Oct 20, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Even with insurance you are not guaranteed a helicopter. If there is none around, if there is fog, if it is raining badly, if you weigh too much, you just may not be able to get the copter. I know, been there done that.

Posted by: Wow Location: America on Oct 20, 2008 at 05:28 PM
Donna we are the working class. We are the ones paying these high medical costs. That is why we want them lowered......

Posted by: Be Carefull Location: KY on Oct 20, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Be carefull about membership programs, PHI is cheaper than others but the fine print has a $3500.00 deductable with it.

Posted by: leo Location: paris on Oct 20, 2008 at 12:26 PM
I would like to know the "billing address" of life net and the reference number or bill number (not the families address) . that way they can be (hopefully) over run with $1.00 payments on this account and the stricklands will get this paid .

Posted by: DONNA Location: Eastern Kentucky on Oct 20, 2008 at 10:35 AM
I know! How about becoming like so many of our population and stop working and sign up on WELFARE or SSI and obtain the MEDICAID card, then you wouldn't need to worry about medical bills! See, if you refuse to work and be lazy, the Government awards you with a "for free" check that comes every month religiously, free groceries and a free insurance card that pays for everything. Why try to work every day, pay outrageous insurance premiums and still suffer daily on trying to get by. When the working class people need help, it isn't there because we refuse to be a parasite on the economy. Enough for my soapbox..... I truly feel sympathy for the family that has lost something that money could never buy.. My prayers go out to you and so many others who suffer loss.

Posted by: Fed Up with Health Care Costs Location: America on Oct 20, 2008 at 09:42 AM
To Donna, we are just outraged at the price being billed of $17,000. Do you think that is a lot for a helicopter ride? The price, the cost of health care is what is so outrageous. I do appreciate your information about the extra health insurance policy, but even though this information may be good for us-the reader. It is too late for this family. And....if they do have a bill from the hospital, I am guessing it is large too.....Hopefully their insurance paid for most of it. Health care is not inexpensive that is what we are talking about here. Do we appreciate the people who help us, of course we do, but some of us are even hesitant to get routine health care for out of pocket fees before large deductibles are met. Emergencies most of the time cost a lot and at any time any of us could be put in an emergency, so we are at the mercy of the business side of the health care system and these large costs!

Posted by: KY Orphan Location: central KY on Oct 20, 2008 at 09:25 AM
I'm sorry for this family's loss but I can truly relate. It cost over $13,000 to fly my mom from Whitesburg to Pikeville after W-burg refused to honor her DNR order without her being seen by some specialist in Pikeville first. She died anyway after being "treated" in the he**hole Pikeville calls a hospital after much suffering (and we were treated like murderers for fighting to have her wishes upheld). I have NO faith left in the medical profession after the way she was treated. Oh... and her insurance as a federal employee only covered a fraction of her bills (including the $13000 30 minute helicopter ride) so we were stuck with the rest.

Posted by: Anon Location: Ky on Oct 20, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Is this the entire story? Was the baby's condition known before he was born? If so, couldn't proper arrangements have been made? Surely if it was known before she went into labor, the insurance fine print would have been read and they may have opted not to take the helicopter ride. I am sorry for their loss, but really. Who doesn't expect to pay for a service that they used? If you're going to present the facts, all of them need to be covered. Seems vague to me.

Posted by: david Location: georgetown on Oct 20, 2008 at 09:18 AM
if anyone would like to help our address is 114 Barbara Blvd. Georgetown,Ky 40324.Thank You for the support,David & Laura Strickland.

Posted by: Donna Location: Ky on Oct 20, 2008 at 07:03 AM
The Helicopter Co. PHI-UK has an insurance policy the number is 1-888-435-9744 to talk to someone about this insurance policy it cost $35.00 A YEAR for the whole family if you take it out through a company where you work- people need to ask their employer about this!! also for a whole family not through a company it cost about $50.00-$75.00 A YEAR if you have another insurance, and you have this with PHI your insurance pays the helicopter co. is all they expect to get they do not bill you if you have the PHI POLICY! PEOPLE NEED TO CHECK ON THIS PLEASE DON'T TALK ABOUT THE HELICOPTER CO. WHEN YOU NEED HELP THEY ARE THERE RISKING THEIR LIVES ALSO TO HELP TO TRY AND SAVE ONE OF YOUR LOVED ONES!! IT IS SAD ABOUT THIS FAMILY BUT I BET THEY HAVE GOT A BILL FROM THE HOSPITAL!!

Posted by: zack Location: paris on Oct 20, 2008 at 03:38 AM
I would be glad to help out to just give a name and address. I have a few friends that said they will help too.

Posted by: Tony Location: Pikeville on Oct 19, 2008 at 09:24 PM
1 used eurocopter = 2.1 million dollars, How many trips to break even, let alone make a profit? Insurance companies are to blame. Look up the average income for a MD. IT HAS GONE DOWN (to about 160K). Insurance profits are up. Socialized medicine is not the answer, nor is scamming the system. Elect officials who will stand up instead of getting paid off. (Insurance companies have more lobbying $$ than anyone, and often write their own legislation which is readily passed by the politicians in their pocket.

Posted by: Doug Location: London on Oct 19, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Several years ago I Passed out in a store in E-town Ky, The store called an ambulance, they came I walked out of the store sat in the wagon myself, walked into the hospital myself. The only thing the ems did was check my vitals. The trip to the ER was Only 1/4 mile and the ccahrge was 450 dollars. That was 26 years ago. Nothing new here.

Posted by: ME Location: PAINTSVILLE, KY on Oct 19, 2008 at 07:34 PM
"IF YOU CAN'T PAY FOR IT, DON'T DO IT OR BUY IT".

Posted by: viewer on Oct 19, 2008 at 04:26 PM
you need servicice you have insurance they need to pay look obama cant fix it mccain cant fix it we as americans cant fix the system because they are a bunch of greedy companys keep raiseing prices then dont pay insurance is out of control medical cost are out of control due to lawsiuts and insurance

Posted by: alan Location: Stanford on Oct 19, 2008 at 04:03 PM
i agree with leo.. get an address and reference number posted too this site and i would be glad too send some money too help this family out, they have had enough of an expence when they lost their baby and they dont need some screwed up colletion agency bothering them...guess if it gets too bad they can always think about chapter 7....god bless this family.

Posted by: david Location: georgetown on Oct 19, 2008 at 11:08 AM
to Leo in Paris.We are being sued for money.If you would like to help you can e-mail us at laura62477@yahoo.com.We appreciate all the comments and well wishes.This has been a very devasting experience,I hope no one has to experience the loss of a child.Thanks,David & Laura Strickland.

Posted by: human being Location: se ky on Oct 19, 2008 at 09:57 AM
if people can spend five dollars for a lottery ticket, they can send five dollars to the family to paid the bills.

Posted by: J Location: KY on Oct 19, 2008 at 05:25 AM
Wow, what some comments some people post...What it all boils down to is the cost of the helicopter, this is what the news story is about... $17,000... Come on people, doesn't that sound outragous? You could fly across the country for way less... These people in need were clearly taken advantage of, insurance or not... Lets help an old lady across the street and charge her $1000... How obvious does it have to be? Maybe she should have gotten "Crossing the street insurance" and hopes she never has to use it... Prehaps you can call the BBB, Sent a letter to the governor complaining that these needed services are over charging and taking advantage of the voters... I'd tell people, "I was robbed"...

Posted by: leo Location: paris on Oct 19, 2008 at 12:02 AM
i like the guy who made the point that if we all pitched together and sent $1.00 each to the life net people for this bill we could help this family. so if someone possiably the family could post the billing address for the this company and a name or reference number i will be glad to send them $1.00 in your name. i am so sorry for this families loss .

Posted by: Heart Patient Location: Eastern Kentucky on Oct 18, 2008 at 06:26 PM
I have Anthem, had a heart attack, and was sent by air ambulance to a hospital 50 air miles away. My bill was $13000 of which Anthem paid $300. It turns out that the policy said it would paid 20% of any ambulance bill, but in fine print, my contract did indeed say up to a maximum of $300. The air ambulance company has been very sympathetic to me, and I am paying it off monthly (without any added interest). At one point, the ambulance company reduced my bill considerably. They will work with you. In my case, my heart was saved from damage because the condition was treated so quickly. That $13000 ride saved my heart. Anyone with a heart condition would pay (even in payments) that much money to be whole again. Back to Anthem, everyone should be aware that the insurance basically pays next to nothing for an ambulance ($300), you should look for insurance elsewhere. Read the fine print no matter how many pages are in the policy.

Posted by: Obama Fan Location: Harrodsburg on Oct 18, 2008 at 02:27 PM
For all of you that are scared of "socialized medicine," let me ask you some questions. Do you send your children to a private school? If someone was lurking on your property at night, would you call the police or a private security company? If your house caught on fire, would you call the fire department or a private fire extinguishing company? Do you want the restaurant that you eat at to be inspected by the health department or a private inspecting company? Do you have the road department salt and scrape your street or do you have someone with a snowplow do it themselves? Why is it in a country that can spend BILLIONS of dollars on a war and give corporations a TRILLION dollars that a man can lose his home because he sought treatment for a life threatening illness or because he tried to save his baby's life? Barack Obama will fix this mess when he is elected and regardless if you vote for him or not, you will get to benefit from the rewards. God bless this family!

Posted by: Mike on Oct 18, 2008 at 12:26 PM
To anonymous October 17th,Who on earth asked for it to be free?..Good for you that you and your family are able to pay for your ambulance rides and the rest including your 9 surgeries but how about some understanding for those who are simply "doing the best they can"? Not everyone has the resources or the family with resources to pay such things.

Posted by: Nathan on Oct 18, 2008 at 12:20 PM
So much for the payment plans, I guess they dont work either. Some people want to get rich as fast as they can.

Posted by: Rodney Location: Pike on Oct 18, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Hey folks a trip of 27 miles,by amblance, cost me 1500 bucks.With no sp. care.Just remember if you get sick in Kentucky,and need help, you will be robbed on the spot.Then treated like a dog if your not rich.

Posted by: Hunter Location: Eastern KY on Oct 18, 2008 at 07:17 AM
A few of you have mentioned being a member or coverage with the PHI-UK Medical helicopter or the service that is based in Morehead? Where can I find out more information? I hope (very much so) I would never need it, but best to be safe rather than sorry. Thanks...

Posted by: mary ware Location: clay city on Oct 17, 2008 at 09:55 PM
The helicoper is really a life saver , but the charge IS Too Aboluty Too Expsncive. No insurance will pay the price. the helicopter co. should give patience's HELP

Posted by: Dee Location: KY on Oct 17, 2008 at 08:51 PM
I was advised by a lawyer to pay something...a1.00 a week, month or whatever even shows you are making the attemp to pay. They cash it, that means they accept your arrangement. now that was a few years ago but it is worth checking in to. God Bless all you families. I hope I never need a ride!

Posted by: Lea Location: Pikeville ky on Oct 17, 2008 at 07:37 PM
My grandmother recently was transported from Pikeville Medical Center to Central Babtist in Lex. which is three hour drive and she received a bill for 1,900. They did nothing except drive. nothing was used except a bed pan. It's an outrage of how people are treated. If the hospitals were up to date, and well staffed we wouldn't have to transfer to another hospital. God Bless this family.

Posted by: Steve Location: Lexington on Oct 17, 2008 at 06:49 PM
I think the problem they have is that the doctors told them they had to fly or their son would die. So they figured that since the hospital was ordering the flight that it would be covered by insurance. It wasn't, their baby died anyways, and now they are demanding a ridiculous bill for it. A word of advice from someone who worked in Ambulance Service billing...if you send them a check for 1 dollar a month, they can't touch you. If you're making an honest effort to pay the bill, they can't do anything to you other than accept the money. Eventually they'll even stop sending you bills because it costs them more than a dollar a month to send you one. But be sure to send that dollar anyways, that way they can't take everything you have. You should get it paid off in about 50,000 years or so.

Posted by: Donnie Location: Livingston on Oct 17, 2008 at 05:55 PM
No Problem 17000 people @ $1 each paid in full!! if you can find that many people that CARE rest in peace little buddy

Posted by: roger Location: mccreary co. on Oct 17, 2008 at 05:51 PM
i worked ems for over 10 years we air lifted patients with uk and ut hospitals.i believed it cost around 5000.00 well worth it.it is just a scam now.people wanting to get wealthy not helping sick people.we had a car accident a while back.their was more helicopters their wreckers.just hoping to get a patient so they could over charge them for a ride in a helicopter they could do same thing in ambulance.and every wonders whats wrong with the economy...

Posted by: George Location: West Liberty on Oct 17, 2008 at 05:28 PM
I agree that this cost is very expensive, however there are options to offset the bill left over from insurance companies. My company last year got a "membership" from our local air ambulance service to cover this exact thing. The service is from Morehead and is only 10 minutes away. I think we pay $35 a year and the helicopter company only bills the insurance. The company accepts what the insurance pays and never sends me a bill after that. I know I may never need to use a helicopter, but for $35 a year, I don't think you could beat it. My heart goes out to this family, but these days you have to plan for the worst.

Posted by: stacy Location: ky on Oct 17, 2008 at 03:58 PM
have a heart for the family they have lost a love one.anybody in the right mind would do anything to safe a baby .they must dont have kids ..god bless u all...i work with kids 5 days a week and i know i would anything for them or give anything i could ...

Posted by: kydude on Oct 17, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Health Ins. Should be like our Car ins. It only pays for the big damaged stuff. Not oil changes and breaks. Ins. should not pay for office visits. To many people go to the Dr. when it is not important. Making Ins cost higher.

Posted by: RCC Location: WINCHESTER on Oct 17, 2008 at 03:21 PM
IS THIS WHAT THE HUMAN RACE HAS COME TO? THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR OVER THE PRICE OF A HUMAN LIFE? BETWEEN THE GREEDY INSURANCE COMPANYS AND THE MONEY HUNGRY OIL COMPANYS.NOT TO MENTION OUR INGNORANT GOVERNMENT, THE WORKING PEOPLE "WHO TRY TO MAKE A HONEST LIVING" DON'T STAND A CHANCE IN HELL!

Posted by: Rebecca Location: Kentucky on Oct 17, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Welcome to the real world. Just because you really need something doesn't mean you get to have it for nothing. We are facing a lot of health care transportation bills also. What bothers me is that if the insurance company did pay, they would have a reduced rate and would pay only about half of what we are billed. This is probably because private payers have to take up the slack for people who don't pay their bills. Some equity would be nice.

Posted by: K Location: KY on Oct 17, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Mr. Haney, who said anything about expecting the service to be free? The point is: The cost are exaggerated and they are already paying high cost for insurance that covers not even 10% of the bill. No one disputes there should not be a bill, but this is wrong. Americans pay big money to have insurance we should get what we pay for!

Posted by: I agree Location: KY on Oct 17, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Anthem does suck! I would definitley file an appeal and then sue Anthem. This is a terrible situation and I agree that to some extent services should be paid for. However I also believe that emergency services are outragously over-priced and that Anthem should pay more than a measley $300.00. I too was ripped off by Anthem, I ended up canceling my policy through them becuase of it. I now have no health care. I payed them so much per month and when it cam e down to my coverage they paid $0.00. I filed an appeal and actually got the decision reversed. Though waht they paid in the end turned out to be not much more than $0.00. I paid more to them in monthly premiums than what they covered for me! Had I just saved my premiums each month and not paid for their "coverage" I would have had enough to pay my hospital bill! However I was stuck with paying all my premiums plus basically the enitre hosiptal and physician bill. What a rip-off! Anthem makes me sick!

Posted by: American Location: U.S.A. on Oct 17, 2008 at 01:21 PM
The point is in an emergency most patients in the height of the emergency aren't asking what costs are, they are upset, concerned about their loved one needing health care services, and then after the patient receives treatment they find out how outrageous these prices are when the bills start rolling in. Who can afford $17000 for a transport bill? Not anyone I know. Health care should be affordable, so we don't have to worry when a loved one is ill about the price of it and insurance should pay for it. I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 17, 2008 at 01:07 PM
Once again big buissness doing what it does best, sure they will help but at an outrageous cost. The family was told to get thier as fast as they could, they didn't have time to check around for prices. The insurance company should pony up and if they don't then the hospital should eat it.

Posted by: pam Location: evarts on Oct 17, 2008 at 12:50 PM
i think they need help if there baby was only 13weeks old .why couldnt the place help them after there insurance paid 300.00 dollars

Posted by: Jenny Buckley Location: Lexington, KY on Oct 17, 2008 at 12:37 PM
I feel just awful for this family. It broke my heart that they have to go through this. Just some info for everyone. I looked into this last night. The flight service used was Life Net out of Frankfort. They are owned by Air Methods/Statcare. They are the only Air Medical company in Kentucky that does not offer a membership plan. I encourage everyone to look into their insurance coverage and consider purchasing an air membership coverage plan. My family and I have the coverage with PHI/UK helicopter service and luckily have never had to use it, but if we are flown we dont get a bill. It is only $50 a year! You cant afford not to have it. I apologize if it sounds like I am advertising, but I wouldnt wish this to happen to anyone. It just is not fair.

Posted by: Kelly Location: KY on Oct 17, 2008 at 12:28 PM
I worked for Anthem, and Medicare, for years and know that they don't go by what the doctor says, they go by what the hospital provides. If there was a closer hospital between Lexington and Cincinnati that provided the same services as the Cincinnati Hospital did, then the insurance will not cover the whole cost. The only way to get out of that bill is to verify that there weren't any closer hospitals that could have provided those services. If that can't be done, the best thing to do is contact the billing company for the service, or the collection agency itself, and try to work work out a payment plan.

Posted by: k Location: floyd on Oct 17, 2008 at 11:29 AM
then you see them fly someone out, of a wreck scene, afte they have been out walking around, all they have is a hang nail.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 17, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Why should someone else have to pay? It was an emergency and she had to be transported. She was successfully transported to the hospital. Case closed. People need to stop expecting things to be free. I've had ambulance rides and so far 9 surgeries, My insurance pays part and my family and I pay the rest.

Posted by: Anon Location: Lex on Oct 17, 2008 at 11:17 AM
This is a very sad story, but let's be realistic here. This family chose to purchase an insurance policy and they knew there was a $300 limit on ambulance transportation, right? If they read the policy first they knew the limits of the policy, right? So why are they so suprised that the insurance company is paying the benefit exactly as it is spelled out in the policy? This is sad, but reason has to exist somewhere. They could have paid more to have better coverage. That was a personal choice.

Posted by: Open Enrollment Location: G-town on Oct 17, 2008 at 11:07 AM
The key word in the article is "Anthem". I know first hand that they will stall making payments they are obligated to make. They say it takes 30 days to input the claim in their computer, then argue that your claim is not covered even though you are holding Anthem documents stating otherwise while you're on the phone with them. After 4 months and me calling my corporate HR in California suddenly they saw the light and paid up. Anthem will try to wear you down to the point of giving up so they won't have to pay. So sorry for your loss. You're in my prayers.

Posted by: I'm there on Oct 17, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Following a serious car crash with not enough insurance to cover the cost of the air ambulance, I was dogged repeatedly at work, by mail, by phone. To say I don't have it, means nothing to the debt collector. And even as I am now struggling to make regular payments, (which is taking food off my table), they still contact me, wanting to know if I can pay more. ARE THEY SERIOUS?! If I had it to do all over again, I would refuse transport and just give up and hope for the best because having to pay this air ambulance bill, I will eventually starve to death anyway, just putting it off by being air lifted. This sounds odd but unless you've been there, you wouldn't understand how cold and cruel these operations can be.

Posted by: A Location: Lexington on Oct 17, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Remember this incident about our terrible insurance choices when you go to vote. We need more choices!! Anthem stinks!!! I feel so bad for this family. They are not able to heal because they are being harrased by this crappy insurance company.

Posted by: Mom of 2 on Oct 17, 2008 at 10:55 AM
My son was airlifted from Floyd County to UK and the cost was $19,000.00. Fortunately- my insurance paid this in full. Thankfully I had met my $2500.00 out of pocket maximum already. This family needs to visit their local Medicaid office. Children are eligible for spend downs, just like the elderly and disabled. There is a good chance that they may be able to help with this.

Posted by: Don Location: Hazard on Oct 17, 2008 at 10:38 AM
I was hurt at work, 2006, had a fracture in my neck, had paralysis and had to be flown from Hazard to UKMC. The cost, 15,000.00. At the time, I did not know what was going on, the hospital requested the medical transportation. I had insurance from work, the bill collector is still calling. The sad thing, the hospital that requested, is the one I work for. Insurance just SUCKS all together. Some stuff they pay for but it take an act of Congress to get bills like this paid. Of course I have filed paper and my employer is fighting every step. They told me I probably fractured my c-4 removing my baby out of the car seat! Attention all parents, use caution removing your children from the car seat, it could fracture you neck. In my case, I did recover, it took months of therapy. With this case, it is sad, they lost a child. Just write it off and call it a loss.

Posted by: Jay Location: Richmond on Oct 17, 2008 at 10:27 AM
I think the root of the problem is the doctors and medical practices ripping off the insurance companies, then insurance companies pass the cost on to people. Our pediatrician charges our insurance 700 dollars for each set of shots for our baby. This is stupid.

Posted by: living in reality Location: earth on Oct 17, 2008 at 10:14 AM
i know the insurance companies are crooks but to expect a free ride in a emergency medical helicopter is a little dreamy. i mean in today's society what is free? it is a lot of money but that is how this country works and it is the people like us and the politicians let it get this way. i am sorry for their lose but you can't go around expecting free health care. this is not England you have to pay for things around here.

Posted by: Ken Location: USA on Oct 17, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Health care stocks have been some of the most profitable investments for quite a while now because people will agree to any expense when they're scared. Air ambulance services are like vultures, looking for an opportunity to swoop in when we are most vulnerable. They should have to explain the cost and get a signed release showing the charges before transporting. And we need to get over thinking "air lifted out" is a status symbol. It's way over-used and over-priced. My sympathy to the family for the loss of their child but they were victimized by the health care system. We wouldn't need so much insurance if care was fairly priced. And health care might be cheaper if insurance companies were not also making a big profit. The rest of it is due to the big settlements given out in lawsuits. It's a big problem that needs lots of fixing. But for goodness sake, don't think the government can fix it by taking over and managing health care.

Posted by: steve Location: ky on Oct 17, 2008 at 09:34 AM
the company was Life Net that provided service

Posted by: len Location: mount sterling on Oct 17, 2008 at 09:30 AM
this breaks my heart. insurance is so high no one can afford it, and then it doesn't pay anything. what's the point in having it? i know how the family is feeling, i have been through it twice before. i had two children that were stillborn. let them grieve. yes there is still bills to be paid, but it's hard to deal with things. my heart goes out to you, i can only tell you it never goes away, but with time you learn to deal with it.

Posted by: Peggy Location: Ky on Oct 17, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Obama Fan wrote-"When Barack Obama is elected President of the United States, this sort of thing will never happen again!" You keep right on thinking that sort of thing. How pathethic.No one person can change this,and this has absolutely NOTHING to do with that empty suit.As for the family,I'm sorry for your loss. A child is irreplacable. No helicopter ride should cost $17,000.How sad they can get away with this!

Posted by: Sue Location: Ky on Oct 17, 2008 at 08:30 AM
This is a sad case - but when your in a hospital a lot of times the parient dies -but you are still charged for the hospital services - this is no different!!SAD BUT TRUE!!

Posted by: Christina Location: KY on Oct 17, 2008 at 08:00 AM
This absolutly outrages me. Health insurance premiums are so high these days that people are lucky to even afford it. The insurance companies do not offer great policies for the premiums we pay. The government wants to control every aspect of our lives why don't they do something about these insurance companies that are ripping us off. Help out the citizens of this "great" country. If your willing to give your hard earned money to pay for insurance you should at least get what you need covered. My heart goes out to this family. They have had enough pain and suffering in their lives without having this added stress. I wish you all the best.Have faith in God, he will get you through this also.

Posted by: K Location: KY on Oct 17, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Ok, people tell me again how private insurance is the only way to go. They get rich and we get the bill that we can never pay and ruins our credit for life. These parents have suffered enough! So sorry for their loss.

Posted by: Shiro Location: Floyd County on Oct 17, 2008 at 07:49 AM
First I'm very sorry for your loss.My heart goes out to you.I would fight the insurance company and the air ambulance.This was an emergency and they should have to pay.And the fee for the transportation should be dropped where someone can pay it.This is weird,that Anthem would only pay $300.00 when medicaid and medicare would pay the bill.So what is the difference?Emergency health care is way over-priced,to insurance companies and private pay.If you have to pay them all of this bill,send them $10.00 a month.Good Luck!

Posted by: Sarah Location: Nicholasville on Oct 17, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Why do we have insurance if they don't pay? $300?? With the price of everything that wouldn't pay for a car ride!Insurance companies have us by the neck. My prayers are with the family in the lose of their precious child.

Posted by: Sam Location: Lex on Oct 17, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Anthem SUCKS!

Posted by: Kendal Location: Lexington on Oct 17, 2008 at 07:28 AM
I know of ONE other case very similar to this. We should all pray for the family...this is very unfortunate. Pretty sad health care can totally break you and does not care the circumstances OR what you have just been through. Heaven's sake they just lost their baby, have some sympathy!

Posted by: mary Location: salyersville on Oct 17, 2008 at 07:16 AM
have a heart people wouldnt you do the same to save your child, I know that I would,let them morn in pease

Posted by: lori Location: lexington on Oct 17, 2008 at 07:09 AM
this is absolutely outrageous!

Posted by: Jessie Location: Danville on Oct 17, 2008 at 06:55 AM
That is what is wrong with America today. You pay for health insurance, but half of them time it only covers a minimal part of it and your left fotoing the rest of the bill. Most ppl don't realize that they are paying such a high premium to end up getting almost nothing when you need it. My heart is with this family, first they lose their precious baby and now they are being hit from behind from their insurance company. Thanks America!

Posted by: American Location: in the U.S.A. on Oct 17, 2008 at 06:43 AM
Why did this ride cost $17,000.00? I really hope our legislators do something about our health care costs. PLEASE..... We all need health care.

Posted by: nurse Location: lexington on Oct 17, 2008 at 03:37 AM
Who was the helicopter service? This is awful.

Posted by: Kathy Location: Lawrenceburg, KY on Oct 17, 2008 at 02:26 AM
My heart goes out to the parents. They have been through enough losing Aiden. It couldn't cost almost $17,000 to fly them, such a rip off! Alot of the amount should be wrote off. Hospitals charge way too much as it is, that is why people can't get the medical care they need. I don't even know how the people sueing can sleep at night. The parents don't even have their precious baby to hold for nearly $17,000. Haven't they been through enough?

Posted by: Heather Location: KY on Oct 16, 2008 at 10:59 PM
This is a despicable act by the insurance company!! If the doctors deemed this necessary, were the parents supposed to call first to see how much it cost?? Health insurance executives and lawyers rank at the top of my list as scum!

Posted by: LeAndra Location: Pikeville KY on Oct 16, 2008 at 10:15 PM
If I was in this position I would turn around & sue the insurance company. A year ago our daughter had to be taken to UK however they decided to use MedFlight's ambulance service instead of their helicopter service - good thing too. Luckily our insurance paid all but about $100 of the transportation. But with all the medical bills from various hospitals & specialists we had a good amount due total. We contacted the billing company for MedFlight & they were excellent, saying that if we could only afford $5 per month that it would be fine & would not be sent to collections. Also, bad public relations will kill companies & their investors faster than anything - get out there & get your story out everywhere - online blogs & forums are your best bet!!! Best of Luck & God Bless!

Posted by: e j Location: london on Oct 16, 2008 at 10:00 PM
This is the typical fee for air ambulance transport. At least this was an emergency. Usually these are used for non emergent transport for stable patients from small hospitals to Louisville or Lexington. The amount of money wasted by the state and federal government is incredible and this situation is far from unique. Often the transportation cost is higher than the treatment provided by the hospitals & doctors.

Posted by: jessica Location: hindman ky on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:45 PM
by husband was in a bad motorcycle accident that nearly costed his life so he was air lifted to uk... And now hes doing great other then back problems by bill from them is exactly 17000.00 i cant afford either im waititng any day to get sued as well. Me and my husband can barely afford to get by and the way the economy is.. We as americans should have a break especially for people who have insurance that wont pay much and for us as working people we have no insurance so what can we do?

Posted by: A Location: L on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:30 PM
It seems we need more of these stories in the news. The governmnet shells out 800billion for coporate welfare for the richest people in the country to keep raping their profits yet 100billion for socialised medicine is still too much they claim when it could have been planned and in act for decades.

Posted by: Billy Location: Lancaster on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:17 PM
I know that people have to make a profit in order to stay in business, but why do all these people have to take advantage of someone in time of need?

Posted by: Medic Location: Eastern KY on Oct 16, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Wow 17,000.00 thats hard to swallow. I try to understand the price, but it's hard. A ground transport by ambulance would have been 800.00 plus mileage give or take, 2,000.00 at the most. Im sure they needed ASAP transport, but most of the time Air transport is extremely over used by professionals. A few years ago there were 2 or 3 helicopters serving north east Kentucky now there are 10. My opinion and over priced, over used service. However they are great care givers and when used correctly the difference in life or death.

Posted by: Obama Fan Location: Harrodsburg on Oct 16, 2008 at 08:45 PM
When Barack Obama is elected President of the United States, this sort of thing will never happen again!

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 16, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Although I have sympathy for this family, it does not mean that they are not obligated to pay the bill. I work in the emergency field, so I understand. When you use a service you must then pay for it.

Posted by: me Location: home on Oct 16, 2008 at 07:41 PM
This is horrible...there son died don't you think this family is in enough grief.money money money thats all these hospitals r after

Posted by: Mr Haney Location: Hooterville on Oct 16, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Why would anyone expect this to be free? The service was provided and the patient was successfully transported to the hospital. They will be getting hospital bills too. Just because the patient died doesn't mean they don't owe for the care provided.

Posted by: Bob Location: Stearns on Oct 16, 2008 at 07:05 PM
This is ridiculous! My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Posted by: Steve Location: Lexington on Oct 16, 2008 at 06:08 PM
Advice: make sure you have a supplemental benefit policy (AFLAC) for out of pocket expenses such as air and ground transportation.

Posted by: David Location: KY on Oct 16, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Sounds like something for the March of Dimes or another charity to help with.

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