Try reading it alongside the podcast the KingSlingers. The podcast is set up where they read a couple chapters at a time, then spend a 2 hours talking about those chapters. One person read the series multiple times and the other is just reading it for the first time.
I'm halfway through the series, and now I want them to break down and discuss every book I read.
Have you tried speaking with the hospitals patient accounts department? A lot of hospitals will offer discounts, or even financial assistance, which could help with part or all of the bill.