SEATTLE: A 70-year-old American man who nearly died of COVID-19 has been billed a heart-stopping $1.1 million for his hospital expenses.
Michael Flor was admitted to a hospital in Seattle on March 4 and stayed for 62 days. He came so close to death at one point that nurses held up the phone so his wife and children could say goodbye.
He recovered and was discharged on May 5 to cheers by nursing staff. However, he was shocked when he received a 181-page bill totalling $1,122,501.04.
The bill includes $9,736 per day for the intensive care room, nearly $409,000 for its transformation into a sterile room for 42 days, $82,000 for the use of a ventilator for 29 days, and nearly $100,000 for two days when his prognosis was life-threatening.
Flor is luckily covered by Medicare, a government insurance program for the elderly, and should not have to take out his wallet.
The United States has among the most expensive healthcare in the world and the idea of public funding remains hugely controversial. Flor said he said he feels guilty knowing that taxpayers will bear much of the cost.
“It was a million bucks to save my life, and of course I’d say that’s money well-spent … But I also know I might be the only one saying that,” he told a local daily.
US Congress adopted a plan to keep the American economy afloat through coronavirus shutdowns which include a $100 million budget to compensate hospitals and private insurance companies treating COVID-19 patients.
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