Free Republic

Stuart Bauer | The Flint JournalRebecca Witt (lower right) and Gary Johnson (standing) care for children Diesel (in Gary's arms), 2, JaeLyn (bottom), 4, and Gage, 5. Rebecca is upset because the state is trying to collect birthing costs from her fiance for their daughter. FLINT, Michigan -- Gary Johnson owes taxpayers nearly $3,800 for the birth of his daughter. The state will let him off the hook but there's a catch -- he has to marry the mom. But the mother doesn't believe her wedding should be any of the state's business. "I don't think anybody should tell me...

Medical-bill confusion costly for Ohio patients Trying to understand a hospital bill can be a challenge. It usually provides little detail about the medical care you received, and the first version you get in the mail might say "This is not a bill." The next statement could include how much you owe and tell you that you need to pay in 30, 60, 90 or 120 days. Is this the final amount you owe? Are there more bills coming? Patient advocates say few people are prepared for the amount of paperwork that follows a hospital stay or surgery and even...