If my wife's employer closes down, how do I make a claim against the asset (building, property) to be used forth?

My wife is a teacher in a struggling small private school. We believed that gall bladder removal surgery last August was covered under health insurance (along with previous/posttests, care) from the school. Initially, the insurance company sent payments to the various doctors, hospital. I had heard last year that the school did not pay the insurance for September, but I had thought the insurance was paid for August. I have recently received correspondence from the insurance company stating that coverage was reversed in September and that none of the bills will be covered. I have since approached the school principal and she has told me privately that the school will pay the outstanding bills and for me to try and ask for discounts from the parties. She has made a half payment on one bill. I am worried that this struggling school can close its doors at the end of this school year and that I can potentially be on the hook for upwards of $25,000 in bills.