They’re going to give me another heart attack, says teacher slapped with medical bill of $108,951
A high school teacher in Texas had the biggest shock of his life in April last year when a near-fatal heart attack caused him to collapse in his bedroom. This happened only months after he had taken part in a grueling triathlon. The second surprise for Drew Calver, who is also a married father-of-two, came in the form of a bill from St. David's Medical Center a month after he had heart surgery that informed him he had to pay an outstanding balance of $108,951 as his medical insurance covered only $55,840 of the total amount.
44-year-old Calver who is a history teacher and a swimming instructor at Austin High School said that his annual income only covers about half of the $109k balance left over in the bill.
He spoke to Kaiser Health News, which had initially reported the story along with NPR, and said: "They’re going to give me another heart attack stressing over this bill." According to an email that was sent to CBS Austin News from a spokesperson for the medical center, Calver's plight may soon come to an end. The email reads in parts: "Collections efforts are on hold. Our research efforts indicate Mr. Calver will qualify for our financial assistance discount leaving him with a balance due of less than $800." Calver had the reaction of any shocked person and said: "Oh wow… I had not heard this."