This Sask. man had a stroke in Arizona. His family awaits massive bill after insurance claim denied – CBC

Family had to pay $56,000 up front to fly him from Phoenix to Regina

Feb 28, 2023

After a man from Halbrite, Sask., had a stroke while vacationing in Arizona, his family learned they were on the hook for a $56,000 flight home — and other medical bills yet to come in — as their health insurance claim was denied.

“He has forgotten how to talk, how to swallow,” Rebecca Fee said, talking about her grandfather who she said has been like her father.

Fee said her grandparents, Louis and Arlene Lamothe, are avid snowbirds and spend half the year in Yuma, Ariz.

On Feb. 3, around 6 a.m., Arlene found Louis on the floor. He had suffered a stroke and was paralyzed on the left side. Louis was airlifted to Banner – University Medical Center in Phoenix. The next day, Fee drove for 30 hours from Estevan, Sask., to be with her 80-year-old grandmother.

“He was immediately intubated. He had a lot of heart problems after this,” Fee said. “He was in ICU for two weeks and now his breathing tube has come out.”

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/stroke-insurance-cancellation-medical-bills-1.6762262