Caitlyn Mai thought she did everything right. She called ahead to make sure her insurer would cover her cochlear implant surgery. She thought everything went according to plan, but she still got a bill for the full cost of the surgery, which amounted to more than $139,000.
What Caitlyn did next is a powerful reminder of why we should never pay the first bill. This episode of “An Arm and a Leg” is an extended version of the July installment of the “Bill of the Month” series, created in partnership with NPR.
About the Host
Dan Weissmann
Host and producer of “An Arm and a Leg.” Dan has a stellar background in reporting for Marketplace and Chicago’s WBEZ. His work also appears on All Things Considered, the BBC, 99 Percent Invisible, and Reveal, from the Center for Investigative Reporting.
Credits
Emily Pisacreta – Producer
Claire Davenport – Producer
Adam Raymonda – Audio wizard
Ellen Weiss – Editor
Transcript
Don’t Get ‘Bullied’ Into Paying What You Don’t Owe
Dan: Hey there—
One morning when she was in eighth grade, Caitlin Mai did what she always did when she woke up.
Caitlyn Mai: Music has always been a big part of my life. And so I immediately put in my headphones and started putting on music as I was about to get out of bed and get ready. And I noticed my earbud in my right ear wasn’t working.
It was obvious because on this Beatles tune she’d cued up, Eleanor Rigby, the vocals are almost all on the right-hand side, and she couldn’t hear them.
Caitlyn’s journey after receiving a hefty bill for her cochlear implant surgery is a testament to resilience and advocacy for one’s rights in the face of unjust medical billing practices. Her story is a powerful reminder to stand up for yourself and not give in to unfair demands. Through her determination and persistence, Caitlyn was able to navigate the complex healthcare system and ultimately resolve the billing issue successfully.
Join us on “An Arm and a Leg” as we delve deeper into Caitlyn’s inspiring story and learn valuable lessons about challenging the status quo and advocating for fair healthcare practices.
