Q: Why does the bill jump from
$51,644 to $186,769 after June 3rd?
A: The neonatology bill was
originally $186,769. After negotiation, the neonatologists informed us that
they are willing to reduce the bill by 72.35% for a limited time. They feel
that they are being more than generous with this offer. After June 3rd, if
no substantial progress has been made they will turn the bill over to bill
collectors and the offer will be withdrawn. This usually means that they
will be selling the bill at a loss to the collection agency. The bill
collectors then make their money from the difference between the bill amount
and what they are able to collect.
Q: Does your insurance cover
the bill?
A: We found out that we were
expecting within several weeks of getting married. Most insurance companies
will not cover maternity unless the couple had coverage 10 months prior to
the birth, so we did not have adequate coverage. We are looking at our
options for future births.
Q: Does Medicaid cover the
bill?
A: Any baby with a birth
weight of under 1200 grams (Little Tait was 1170) automatically qualifies
for the federal, tax supported wealth distribution program Medicaid,
regardless of income or other factors. It was extremely tempting to accept
such an easy handout. But, for conscience's sake we did not believe that it
was right to take from such a socialistic program. Instead, after careful
consideration, prayer, and much counsel, we came to the decision to rely on
God's approved method for meeting social needs: voluntary action and
community.
Q: Do you really think that
you can raise $51,644 in just under 90 days?
A: The
short answer would be, "yes;" we are going to do our very, very best
and leave the results to God. We are willing to do whatever it takes to get
as far as possible, and are prayerfully hoping for the support of the
Christian community. We truly believe in Christian community. We believe
that Christian community is the single most effective way to meet the real
needs we face around us. We are not skeptics, or pessimists as to its
capabilities. It has shown itself time after time throughout history. It has
only been with the Church's recent withdrawal from its position of influence
over the past century, that the state has dominated areas such as welfare,
healthcare, and education. But, with that said, Christian community action
is not an outdated concept; it is just as needed now as it ever has been.
So, we truly believe that this, and other needs can be met in short periods
of time by broad based support from the Christian community.
Q: What steps are you taking to raise the needed money?
A: We will be promoting this website via word of mouth, friends, e-mails,
phone calls, facebook, and through as many circles and networks as possible.
We would be grateful for the endorsement of any individuals, ministries or
groups that would like to promote the Little Tait cause.
Q: What can I do to help outside of a financial contribution?
A. First, we earnestly ask for your prayers. We realize that we cannot
accomplish this on our own strength, and that we need all of the prayer
support that we can get. Second, you can help us by personally spreading the
message to as many people as possible. A quick personal e-mail to friends
and family can accomplish a lot!
Q: Does
anyone know why Little Tait came so early?
A: There really wasn't much evidence pointing to any particular reason.
According to the doctors, sometimes it just happens. Lauren has great eating
habits, and there is no indication that anything she did or didn't do was to
blame. She had just returned from a trip to California to help her mother
and sister on a medical trip for her baby sister, but the doctors didn't
seem to think that the traveling would have directly triggered premature
labor. In the end, nobody can say for certain.
Q: Will Little Tait have any long term complications?
A: At this time he is more or less like any other baby at his adjusted age
of 6 weeks - slightly ahead in some areas, due to his extra time out of the
womb. (His real age is 4 1/2 months.) By the grace of God, we don't
anticipate any significant challenges in the future. He may require some
developmental, occupational, or some other types of therapy, which is pretty
typical for babies born at his early gestational age. We will be talking
with several different therapists in the near future. Also, because of the
many breathing issues dealt with in the first few months of his life, he has
the typical minor lung damage associated with relying on breathing support
for an extended period of time. We have to watch his weight more closely
than we would for a term baby, to make sure he is growing and thriving well;
so far, he has had no problem gaining weight! Yes, for all that our little
guy has gone through, we are very thankful; Little Tait is doing well!
Q: Are my donations tax deductible?
A:
No. With all the hoops required to jump through and the time constraints,
obtaining tax exempt status was not feasible.
Q: How do I know that my money will reach Little Tait?
A:
All donations will be directly deposited in a separate bank account, the
sole use of which is to receive and hold donations, and then disperse them
to the appropriate healthcare provider at the correct time. If you have any
concerns, we can provide you with any documentation at any time at your
request.
Q: Will there be any other bills?
A: Besides a host of smaller $500-10,000 bills, the hospital bill looms on
the horizon. The $51,644 bill that we are currently working on is just for
the neonatologists, and is the smaller of the two main bills (by far!). Our
representative with the Karris Group believes that we can realistically
expect to have the $650,000+ hospital bill reduced to under $100,000, Lord
willing. We will obviously need help with the hospital bill in the future,
and will be updating the website accordingly.
