In answer to your question, Antryg, it depends on whose life and at what point in it.
Also, you might mention that local, and perhaps national, news rags would *love* this story.
I forget what state you live in, and I'm making it a point to not remember right now, because I don't want you to rely on my seat-of-the-pants this-is-what-I-would-do suggestion as the end-all be-all. But, in most instances you should challenge a bill that it is unfair to pay.
Oh, and anything you send to the bean-counter you should "cc" to the head of his department as well as the original Dr. Mr. Bean-counter won't be making any decisions that matter.
Good luck.