Idaho Falls Consolidated Hospitals, Inc. v. Board of Commissioners

HUNTLEY, Justice.

The Hospital admitted Louisa Gaitan for emergency surgery and later billed her $5,999.25. The Gaitans had no medical insurance. Mrs. Gaitan and her church each paid $150, leaving a principal balance of $5,699.25. Mrs. Gaitan anticipated future medical expenses of $800 for false teeth, $2,500 for a cardiac catheterization, and $16,000 for possible mitral valve replacement.

Mrs. Gaitan and her husband resided in a home on three and one-half acres in Jefferson_County, valued by the County Assessor at $17,905. They owned two vehicles with a total value of $300. They also had…