Emergency room care for the uninsured.?

The other problem with using the ER as a sole source of medical care is that it is actually a lot more expensive than if they could just have regular medical care on a non-emergency basis. We waste more money on health care in this country than anywhere else.

And we all pay for it, either thru higher insurance rates or, if you pay cash for your hospital visits the prices are jacked up to cover the losses.

Additionally, people only get emergency care, and if they have some kind of a long term health problem (like cancer or diabetes) they can't always afford to be treated.

Without a complete revamping of our current medical system, the only thing I can tell you on your question, is that maybe the doctors at your ER could use a little more tact in how they ask their questions. Yes its true that a large percentage of us do not have medical insurance because we can't afford it, due to the fact of the price of if. But the price of it is greatly increased because of the number of people that do not even attempt to repay their 'free' medical, and due to the vast number of erronious medical malpractice lawsuites filed each year (because someone wants to get rich). Until, we can find a system that will include everyone, and not be soley supported by the goverment, the system that we have in place, though not the best, does help a great number of people that do need the care. hope this helps you out -- have a good day -- :) - Zenas

I work for a place that lets people apply for credit...the most common reason that people get turned down for credit (that I have seen) is an unpaid medical bill. People tell me that they are not responsible for the bill, or that they have forgotten about it. Hospitals/Emergency rooms will not forget. From what I have seen, most will work with people, but they will NEVER just write off a bill!!!

You will be billed, and garnished if you have a job. Make arrangements for $25 monthly before they sue if you are ever in this situation. Illegals simply get a different SS card and start over.

They will bill you at an outrageous rate. You will have to negotiate it down. Don't take no for an answer. They will bill you at 5x to 10x the rate that they would ever get from an insurance company or medicare for the same work.

people go to the emergency room for a cold! they should pay

you wouldn't call 911 if you saw someone going 5 MPH over the speed limit ( not an emergency )

Having worked in a hospital I can tell you that while they will treat you they will also sue you for compensation - whether you are insured or uninsured.

I've never had that done... I live in Texas and I know it varies from state to state, but I just get bills in the mail, and it goes to the credit reporting agencies.

Sadly, I have a friend who lives in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and she was taken to court over medical bills.

I wish there were more resources for those who can't afford medical insurance.

Who assumes the hospital writes it off? I've never heard anyone say that.

Ask any illegal you happen to see in an ER how they pay for their medical care. They don't. When you are using fake or stolen identity it's hard to be found.