It's no secret that receiving medical care in the United States is expensive—but until we look at someone having major surgery or a woman having a baby, we may not understand just how outrageously expensive it can get.
TikToker Sarai Jones, found at @krazysarai, has been chronicling her journey through pregnancy and how that changed her daily routines, like her "outfit of the day" videos and her "get ready with me" videos.
This eventually included the early arrival of her baby—and several weeks later, the arrival of all of her medical bills involved in her stay at the hospital: the inducing of labor, the care of her baby during their hospital stay, and everything in between.
Jones did not hold back as she read off the bills that she had on her laptop.
"So, I had a baby two months ago, and I just got the hospital bill. Let's see how much it cost."
"I vaginally delivered him, and [my labor] was induced. And yes, I got an epidural."
"First thing is the labor room/delivery room. $13,900. Ouch."
"I got another bill that says, 'room and board, semi-private.' $19,111."
"Anesthesia...$2,181."
"'Other diagnostic services.' That was $1,001. But what is that? Please explain."
Jones continued to list off the various items she was charged for, including her use of the emergency room, laboratory services, and a cervical dilator for inducing her pregnancy, among other services.
Jones' final bill was $47,292.01—and after insurance, she had to paid $2,205.09.
Jones' final note rung true for Americans everywhere:
"That was more painful than the contractions."
"Thank god for insurance!"
You can watch the video here:
TikTokers in other countries and without babies were overwhelmed by Jones' medical bills.
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
Others recommended that Jones get an itemized receipt to see if she could get a lowered bill.
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
@krazysarai/TikTok
While medical care and the cost of it shouldn't be a primary reason why someone should or should not have a baby, in all reality it's a vital piece of the puzzle that many Americans face.
Because they will not be able to afford their medical bills—with or without the help of their insurance—countless Americans will choose not to grow their families, simply because of the cost they'll face just by having a baby, let alone any medical care that baby might need.
@jaketapoer/Bluesky
@BillAckman/Twitter