Emergency Medical Care and Bills

Answer from DeNita S.B. Morris, Senior Health Producer, The Beehive

 

Under federal law, hospital emergency rooms must provide three services without asking about your ability to pay: screening for critical health problems, emergency care, and appropriate transfer to another facility after your condition is stabilized.

Unfortunately, if you have a problem with your hospital's billing, you should contact your state department of health for specific information about your situation.

Another thing you should do is start seeking a “medical home” by applying for a state-funded health insurance coverage program, so that you can see a doctor regularly instead of relying on an emergency room for care.

Each program varies by state, which is part of the issue. You can get more information about Chicago, Atlanta and DC programs at www.healthcareforyou.org.

If you don't live in one of those cities, use this resource to find a clinic near your home so you don't incur more fees.
 

 

Learn How to Get Emergency Medical Care

Apply for government assistance, such as Medicare. Once you’re approved, coverage can be three months retroactive.  Apply for charity care through the hospital. Contact the hospital’s charity care department. To apply, you must meet qualifications, such as being under a certain income level. These types of programs cover the hospital expenses but usually not the fees for the doctors who evaluated you. Another option is to look into The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund. This fund pays for any expenses related to your child's care that weren't covered by insurance. For families without insurance, it’s even easier to apply. And in many cases, this fund can be used along with charity donations.  Every state has this fund. You can find your state's application online. To apply, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of income, proof of residency, and all applicable bills. Negotiate with the hospital! Try to bring down the debt and make your total payout much less. Insurance companies pay medical fees at a lower rate; ask them to extend those savings to you directly. This could get them paid, plus  you will be able to deal with these debts. Pay what you can. As long as you continuously pay on the debt (even $5 a month), it will not go to collection.