The balance (so far) for Marshall’s care at Boston Children’s. 

The heavily accented female voice in billing who took my call wouldn’t give me the exact figure right away.

I had to ask three times.

She gasped at the number the first time I asked.

The second she offered “233” and a feeble “Well I don’t have the figure at this time…with the insurance..”

And the third time I begged.

$233,859.20.

Yes, that is what I owe until the insurance company decides to pick up the tab.  And even IF (take nothing for granted, folks) or after that, I will owe 20% or whatever the max out of pocket is.  

You do the math.

This does not include the $5195 balance for his <7 hr stay at Brigham and Women's NICU on his first day of life. 

Nor whatever else got lost in the paper shuffle.  Nor the copays for his doctor appointments and medications.

Nor the other financial obligations of raising four wild boys in this crazy world.

I am going to sit down til I can catch my breath…and ponder this: