INDIANAPOLIS – A Martinsville mom and her premature baby are back in Indiana after a Mexican hospital demanded more than $30,000 following delivery.
Thursday evening, Michaela and baby Beckham Ralph landed via medical jet at Riley Children’s Hospital. Family members said Michaela and Beckham are getting the care they need.
The incident began when Michaela and her husband were on vacation in Cancun when their child Beckham Ralph was born at 28 weeks by an emergency C-section. The couple said they thought everything was OK until they received several bills.
Michaela and her husband were charged $3,000 to be admitted into the hospital, $7,000 following delivery, $4,000 to see Beckham and $17,000 or they would be put out of the building, among other charges.
“They were threatening to put him literally on the streets - a baby in an incubator. Complete strong-arm tactics,” said Beckham’s grandfather Larry.
With the help of family, the couple was able to pay the hospital. Rep. Trey Hollingsworth and the state department helped obtain a birth certificate and a medical jet for the child.
“This hospital was extorting this family, continuing to ask for more money nearly every hour to release him,” said Hollingsworth. “Hoosiers are fighters, they didn't give up for a second. We didn't give up until he came back home.”
With Beckham back home, the family said they thank the community for their support. More than 800 donations totaling over $43,000 was donated through a GoFundMe page.
“The outpouring of people's love and support has been really encouraging for us,” said Elaine.
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