SUMMARY: Brigin Feffer, a 2-year-old, was bitten by a rattlesnake in San Diego, requiring over $200,000 worth of antivenom to save his life. He received 30 vials of antivenom, leading to a total medical bill of nearly $300,000, which covered hospital stays and ambulance rides. Hospitals often mark up prices significantly, with charges exceeding $957 per vial at one facility. Only two brands of snake antivenom exist, limiting competition. Although insurance negotiated a reduction in costs, the family faced a substantial deductible and potential additional charges. Brigin has since healed, though nerve damage affects his thumb’s dexterity.

For snakebite victims, antivenom is critical — and costly. It took more than $200,000 worth of antivenom to save one toddler’s life after he was bitten by a rattlesnake.

Read more of this “Bill of the Month” here: https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/toddlers-backyard-snakebite-bills-totaled-more-than-a-quarter-million-dollars/

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SUMMARY: Stephanie, a Florida resident recovering from opioid addiction, faced a crisis when she lost her Medicaid coverage during the state‘s eligibility reevaluation after COVID-19 protections ended. Her treatment with methadone, crucial for managing cravings, became financially burdensome. Reports indicate over 1.9 million Floridians lost Medicaid, jeopardizing addiction treatment access. Experts stress that interruptions in care increase overdose risks. Nonprofits like Operation PAR are struggling to assist uninsured patients amid rising demand. While some individuals regained coverage, many face ongoing challenges, emphasizing the need for stable funding sources to ensure continued access to lifesaving medications for those in recovery.

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SUMMARY: Two-year-old Brigland Pfeffer was bitten by a rattlesnake in his backyard in San Diego shortly after his birthday. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where medical staff faced challenges administering antivenom due to difficulties finding a vein. Eventually, an alternative method delivered the antivenom, stabilizing Brigland. His treatment cost $297,461, primarily for 30 vials of antivenom. Despite insurance negotiation, the family faced significant out-of-pocket costs. Brigland’s injuries included nerve damage, but he has since healed. Following the incident, the family installed snake fencing to enhance safety in their yard.

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The post Toddler’s Backyard Snakebite Bills Totaled More Than a Quarter Million Dollars appeared first on kffhealthnews.org