A woman in the United States is now facing more than $700,000 in hospital bills after she gave birth and her child stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Janice Hernandez, 25, shared her story in a video on TikTok, where she goes by @janiceheartss. The itemized bill included several overcharges, including $25 for a small bottle of Aquaphor---a popular over-the-counter skin care ointment used to heal and protect dry, irritated skin. Her bill totaled to a staggering $783,000.
In the TikTok video, Hernandez also noted that their child was supposed to be covered by her husband's insurance. However, they failed to qualify for Medicaid because her husband earned $100 over the poverty limit.
Hernandez also noted that hospital staffers switched her room thrice, which amounts to $31,800.
How Much Did Other Women Pay To Give Birth?
Hernandez's case is not rare. In 2021, first-time mother Bisi Bennett received a bill of $550,000. Bennett gave birth at a hospital that was in-network for United Healthcare. However, it was found that her employer changed health plans to UMR. The hospital later billed the policies to the two insurance companies, both of which refused to cover the bill due to administrative errors.
Bennett raised the issue to the hospital, which sent her the same bill along with a payment plan of $46,000 a month.
Read Also: Parents Do Have Favorite Children, It's Usually the Older Kids and Daughters, Study Finds
Average Cost of Giving Birth in the US
The average cost of giving birth in the US is approximately $18,865. However, this figure can vary widely depending on the type of delivery and insurance coverage. Vaginal delivery costs an average of $14,768, while cesarean section (c-section) births cost approximately $26,280.
The cost of childbirth can be reduced significantly with insurance. Without it, costs can range from $30,000 for a regular birth to $50,000 for a C-section. Complications or premature births can increase costs and add $50,000 for NICU care.
The cost also varies dramatically by state and even within states. The average out-of-pocket cost of hospital delivery is the most expensive in Nebraska at $2,685 and the most affordable in Michigan at $974, US News reported.
