Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Peter Jennings) Report introduced.

(DC: John Martin) [Linda JACKSON - describes emotional pain of daughter's birth defect.] Cost of treatment of children saved by high technology medicine featured. Unpaid bills for Cardinal Glennon Memorial Hospital for Children in Saint Louis, Missouri, cited as example Problems for families who can't afford to bringrecovering children home reported [Richard McGRIFF - cites cost.] [Curt BLOOMQUIST - complains about lack of funds to bring children home.] Special insurance allowing Katie Bloomquist's return home cited. [Mother Gale BLOOMQUIST - says some care can only be given at home.] Julie Beckett's plea to President Reagan for funds in 1981 recalled; photos shown. [Patient Katie BECKETT - says she would rather be a normal kid.] [Senator John CHAFEE - says system tilted toward keeping children in hospital.] Legis. for children's catastrophic medical bills outlined on screen. [CHAFEE - describes emotional devastation during these illnesses.] Natasha Herndon case said illustrating impact on family; details given, scenes shown. [Cardinal Glennon Hospital spokesperson Dr. Robert LYNCH - says Natasha needs normal childhood.]