Pregnant woman forced to pay thousands upfront to save twins

Sara Walsh, who was 24 weeks pregnant with twins, was diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, a rare complication that occurs when multiple fetuses share blood unevenly through the same placenta. The doctor told her that the fetuses were experiencing cardiac issues and that she should prepare for treatment the following day. Before Dr. Ruben Quintero would see her, she needed to pay in full for the consultation, surgery, and postoperative care — a total estimate of $15,000. Although Walsh had insurance, the biller said the surgeon was not in any private insurance networks nor did he offer payment plans. Walsh ended up putting $14,472.35 on her and her mother's credit cards. Her health plan eventually paid the Fetal Institute $5,419.44. Walsh was later partially reimbursed but ultimately paid more than $13,000 out-of-pocket.