61 FINANCIAL IMPACT TO FAMILIES OF LESS THAN 1,000 GRAM BABIES ADMITTED TO A NICU

Abstract

The financial impact upon 59 families of babies weighing less than 1,000 grams admitted to a NICU from Jan.1975 through June 1977 was studied. There were 28 families of surviving infants and 31 families whose infant expired. The median cost incurred was $13,775--for survivors, $30,536(range $1750-$251,350) and expired infants, $2,754(range $416-$24,825). The mean length of hospitalization for the survivors was 93 days(range 2-482), and for expired infants, 4.7 days(range 1-30). The mean cost per day was $470--$434 for survivors and $1,120 for expired infants. 14% had incomes from $0-$5,000; 37% from $5,000-$10,000; 39% from $10,000 to $20,000; 5%, $20,000 and over. Financing was 57% by insurance, 30% by government and charity and 13% personal. Average annual medical expense for U.S. families in 1973 was $550 and average insurance expense, $224.01. By paying the NICU median cost of $13,775, at 12% interest using the U.S. annual average medical expenses inflating at 6%, the loan would be paid off in 32.5 years. With 3rd party payments it would take 5 years to pay. For the parents of living children, the obligation would last for 9.5 years. Families of premature children incur substantial financial burdens. Society should be aware of the over-whelming financial strain borne by the parents. Sources of funding should be strengthened in order to help alleviate the cost facing families.

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