A TikTok video by Janice Hernandez, a mother from Reno, Nevada, has gone viral after she revealed her shock and frustration over a $738,360 hospital bill for her newborn daughter’s stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The baby, diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome, spent just over a month in the NICU, sparking widespread debate about the soaring costs of healthcare in America.
In the video, Janice broke down the itemized charges provided by the hospital, uncovering what she described as “unnecessary” and “overpriced” items. Among her findings was a $25 charge for a small tube she thought was a complimentary item from a nurse. “How do you spend nearly a million dollars lying in a hospital bed?” Janice exclaimed, highlighting her disbelief at the exorbitant charges.
The mother also alleged that the hospital billed her for procedures and services that were never performed. She expressed her frustration over what she perceived as a lack of transparency and accountability in medical billing.
Follow-up video
In a follow-up video, Janice addressed the overwhelming reaction to her story, clarifying her daughter’s condition and NICU stay. “You guys are going crazy over the bill amount that I just received from my daughter’s NICU stay,” she said.
She explained that her daughter was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting development and growth. “I do have a video about [the diagnosis] pinned on my page,” Janice shared, offering more insight into her family’s journey.
Janice added that her daughter spent about a month and three weeks in the NICU and was discharged just before turning two months old. “She got released right before turning two months, which was great because we got to do like two-month pictures at home,” she said, expressing relief and joy at bringing her baby home.
She also clarified that she had insurance, which took care of the payment, so she didn’t have to pay the bill herself.
Social Media reactions
Janice’s video has also drawn diverse reactions from viewers, including medical professionals. One commenter claiming to be a NICU nurse defended the costs, stating, “It’s been this way for a long, long time. You will not believe the expensive technology and equipment used to save these babies. One-on-one nursing care 24/7, weeks on end. The medicines and the procedures. I’m an NICU nurse; we work to exhaustion to save these babies. Most parents say thank you. She won’t pay a dime of it.”
Others contrasted the cost of care in the U.S. with expenses in other countries. “Three months ago in Texas, I spent $87,000 for my newborn. In Tunisia, a third-world country, I paid 210 dinars, which is about $70, for my sister’s newborn seven years ago,” another commenter shared, highlighting the stark disparity in medical costs.
The video also reignited conversations about the broader issue of healthcare costs in America. One user argued, “It’s not the insurance industry; it’s the medical industry. Why is healthcare so expensive in America?”
Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that requires specialized care. For families like Janice’s, the cost of treatment adds another layer of stress to an already challenging situation.
As Janice’s story continues to circulate on social media, it has brought renewed attention to the need for greater oversight and regulation in medical billing practices. While Janice plans to dispute some of the charges, her story sheds light on the financial struggles faced by countless families navigating the healthcare system.