Boston victims face huge bills; donations pour in

Boston victims face huge bills; donations pour in

Medical costs are quickly adding up for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. And so are big donations.

The 15 people who lost limbs will face some of the biggest expenses. Artificial legs can cost more than $50,000 each. And they have to be replaced at least every few years.

Then there’s rehab, and things like modifying homes for wheelchairs.

Health insurance, as practically anyone who has ever gotten hurt or sick knows, does not necessarily cover all costs. In the case of artificial limbs, for example, some insurance companies pay for a basic model but not a computerized one with lifelike joints.

Friends and strangers are setting up fundraisers and online crowd-funding sites. A huge Boston city fund has collected more than $23 million in individual and corporate donations.

No one knows yet what the total costs will be.