Rebecca started paying bills this week. So far we have over $8,000 in bills we owe, with more coming in. We've hit our in network cap, but we have bills from last year when we hadn't hit our cap yet. In addition, we will have out of network costs. The numbers are nowhere near the actual costs, thanks to insurance. Those numbers are astronomical. $8,000 is a big enough number on it's own. That said, we are thankful for all of you who have given and we trust in God's provision. Cody Carnes' song, "Firm Foundation" has been playing on a loop in my head,

"And I've still got joy in chaos

I've got peace that makes no sense

So I won't be going under

I'm not held by my own strength

'Cause I build my life on Jesus

He's never let me down

He's faithful through every season

So why would He fail now? 

He won't!"

Okay, after my update last week I called our insurance provider and got additional information. I had not realized that our plan had an out of pocket max, after which insurance covers at 100%. Of course, that only applies to the things that insurance actually chooses to cover, but it is still a huge blessing. The total out of pocket max is $21,000. Now, that includes the out of network number and we have only been in network so far. But since we know we will have expenses that insurance does not cover, like IV Infusion Therapy, it seems like a reasonable target.

Praise God for his provision!

Live 4 Him,

Toby

You can find frequent updates on Rebecca's health and journey on her Caring Bridge site at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rebeccaphillips.

However, we've received requests for additional information on our financial needs and I thought it would be appropriate to share those here. Rebecca and I do have medical insurance through my employment at Boston Scientific. However, it is a high deductible plan and we pay something like 20% of the medical bills once we hit that deductible. Thus far, we have received about $200,000 in medical charges from Rebecca's scans and surgery. Assuming we will be on the hook for 20% of that, we will owe $40,000 just from that diagnosis, surgery, and hospitalization. In addition, Rebecca is now meeting with medical oncologists to determine the best course forward, and then will be receiving regular chemo treatments for at least six months. The point is, more bills are coming and will come for some time. Honestly, I try not to dwell on it, because it is overwhelming. There is literally no possible way for us to afford her medical care, even with pretty decent insurance. Of course, getting her treatment isn't much of a decision. It's something that needs to happen, and so we move forward, one step at a time, confident that God will provide in due time.

Thank you all for your support and feel free to reach out with additional questions or comments.

Live 4 Him,

Toby