Krissy's Medical Bills

Hi, my name is Kris-Ann and in 2022 while pregnant with my first child, during a routine ultrasound an incidental finding of sludge was noted in my gallbladder. I was reassured that this was pregnancy induced and should go away on its own. However, one year after having my son I started experiencing excruciating pain. An ultrasound was done in February 2024 which showed a few gallstones (cholelithiasis), nothing alarming. As the months progressed the pain would come intermittently and crippling but would subside after some time. In May of this year while at work, a sudden and sharp debilitating pain came on and after almost 40 minutes of discomfort, the pain became somewhat bearable. The following day I went to the doctor and was sent to do an emergency Ultrasound which showed Acute Cholecystitis and based on assessment, I was admitted and an emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy was scheduled and done.

At the time of admission and surgery I had my healthcard and assumed I would have been covered somehow for the impending medical expenses ahead. However, after my discharge I was informed that I did not qualify for hospital or surgery benefit and as such would have to pay out of pocket for everything. An amount totaling a few dollars short of two million Jamaican dollars. The surgeon’s fee at that time was $1,100,000 and the hospital $861,000. I expressed to the surgeon my difficulty in paying this amount and was given a discount. My overall bill now sits at $1,500,000.

We have tried many avenues in an attempt to clear this expense but unfortunately, nothing has yet been fruitful, just disappointment after disappointment. I am therefore asking for any assistance to cover these costs. Anything would be greatly and truly appreciated.