The computer hummed, and a small printer in the corner started spitting out a receipt.

“Your health plan only covers forty percent of long-term residential treatment, Mr.

Barrett.”

“The remaining balance is entirely patient responsibility.”

“Then you need to reclassify this as acute outpatient care,” Richard said.

“I can’t change a diagnostic code just to change your coverage tier,” Brenda said.

“The auditing board would flag it immediately.”

I sat in the wheelchair and gripped the cold rubber armrests.