The hospital bills are only the tip of the iceberg in regards to the total cost of continuing care for the children.

There are going to be many years worth of physical therapy, counseling, and other after care that will have to be paid. There will likely have to be modifications made to allow their homes to be handicapped accessable (even if only in the short term). Some of these children are likely to face years of surgeries and medical procedures as they grow. Some may require extensive care for the rest of their lives.

I haven't read anything about the cost of the Med-evacs being waived either. The costs for that alone will probably top 150K. Helicopters aren't cheap to maintain and fly.

I am sure that some if the donated money will be given to the hospitals to cover some of the children's care.

I wonder if hospitals wouldn't be just as generous with uninsured people outside the Amish community, were a shooter to come in one of their schools, massacre and seriously injure their children. Add to that, the promise that there will absolutely no malpractice lawsuits.

Babblu, I think others have responded to your first question, and I think I can provide some information on the second. The information I share is from a personal situation we experienced, as well as the experiences of two other friends (both single moms whose children had serious health issues that required hospitalization or treatment by specialists). If a child's parent cannot afford the hospital bill because they are disadvantaged, there are grants and charities who can assist with the costs of treatment. I know that Hershey Medical has a program, for example, where you can apply for financial assistance in the form of grants provided the parents' income is below certain levels. Fortunately, we didn't need it but our doctor shared information about this program with us. Another friend whose child fell very ill, required surgery and an extended hospital stay nwas also provided with similar guidance by the treating hospital (one of the Children's Hospitals but in another state); they had a similar program. In short, I think there are programs like this associated with many children's hospitals but they're not advertized, probably because there is a limited source of funds and they try to use the funds for those who most need it.

I wonder why Hershey declined to say how the bills were going to be handled. I would hope they would follow the othe hospitals in waiving all or some of the fees. I am sure many people were wondering the same thing about the money now that fees were waived but like everyone said I am sure there are MANY expenses beyond that. One simple trip to an ER for a simple thing cost big bucks. I can't imagine what the expenses were in all of this. Prayers to all those involved.

The school is being demolished tomorrow by hired contractors. Donated money would help pay for that demolition as well as constructing a new school.