No ER will ever turn anyone away for being unable to pay. If they do, they're breaking federal law and can be fined hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you are uninsured and need to be seen, do not let cost keep you from seeking treatment. When someone goes through the the ER uninsured, most hospitals have an uninsured discount and also have you fill out forms for grants for the uninsured, and for state programs. If you're still worried, after you're seen, ask for a CARDON representative or a financial counselor.
True, but... that leads to a lot of people waiting until their illness is serious enough to go to the ER, which is way more expensive and harder to treat than a simple doctor visit. Also, it clogs the ER.
Yes, that's true. It does clog the ER. I've seen many people go thru the ER that did not need to be seen there. It also costs a lot more for an ER visit then a simple clinic visit with a doctor. But I wasn't advising people to go to the ER for non emergent reasons, just providing information for the uninsured who need immediate care, but worry about the incurred cost.
Most larger cities have free clinics. While you may wait a long time before you're seen, many can also give out free antibiotics and other non controlled medications.
Even regular doctors offices have uninsured discounts and will also set you up on payment plans, and will not make you pay for the visit up front.
No, healthcare in the USA is not free, but it is quite far from the situation the post portrays it as.
Comments
Most larger cities have free clinics. While you may wait a long time before you're seen, many can also give out free antibiotics and other non controlled medications.
Even regular doctors offices have uninsured discounts and will also set you up on payment plans, and will not make you pay for the visit up front.
No, healthcare in the USA is not free, but it is quite far from the situation the post portrays it as.