Had an injury, no insurace, went to the ER. I'm an AOS applicant

[Chris Duffy 1,257]

On ‎6‎/‎19‎/‎2018 at 4:38 PM, Sunnyland said:

Work a payment plan with the hospital thru the financial assistance program. Usually hospitals have some like that. Earlier last year I had a scheduled surgery (had insurance) and we were able to work on a payment plan with the hospital for the remaining amount that was my responsibility. If you qualify for financial assistance, you may get the final billing amount reduced. Do not freak out. Most of the times you can work it out with the hospital. 

Exactly

 

You can usually negotiate the final price as well. And I am talking at least 50% without even trying.  If you are good you can get it knocked down 75% or more

[TBoneTX 44,669]

We rarely get what we don't ask for.

[CEE53147 559]

On 6/20/2018 at 3:12 PM, Boiler said:

Well that is when it is a good time to have a spare of ID, mind you tell them you are an immigrant no SSN etc and they probably will take whatever you are prepared to pay them.

 

Identity theft is what you are advocating.  Unbelievable suggestion ...

[Boiler 44,855]

5 hours ago, CEE53147 said:

 

Identity theft is what you are advocating.  Unbelievable suggestion ...

Read again

[dawning 212]

For future reference, both for the op and anyone else that might be in a similar situation, an urgent care will treat many things that an ER treats for less cost.  If you don't have insurance but have a regular doctor that you pay cash, you might be able to get in to seem him or her in a pinch as well.  There do get to be fewer options on the weekends, though.

[CEE53147 559]

On 6/23/2018 at 8:08 AM, Boiler said:

Read again

How many people have a "spare ID"?  I know of no one. Fictitious IDs are generally stolen and sold on streetcorners, i.e. identity theft.

[cyclone27 710]

No ID or ssn will do it for most ER.

 

I would imagine you are looking at least 2k bill without any negotiation.

[Boiler 44,855]

Millions have an ID that is not official, a few of them are stolen, most are just made up.

[Peruchito23 6]

So a few things...

 

Most hospitals have financial aid available to those who qualify (they usually have an income limit around 175/200% of the federal poverty limit... some also look at assets). Best to ask directly to that hospital/clinic's Financial Aid department.

 

Not sure what state you are in... but you could apply for Medicaid. If you are a permanent resident less than 5 years in the states, you qualify for Emergency ONLY Medicaid, which will only be applicable to ER-related incidents. In Michigan, you have to wait 5 years after having a green card to be eligible for full Medicaid, some states waive that waiting period. Check with your local DHS office. There are also many clinics that have people called "Navigators" (this is in fact my real life job) that help clients for FREE with the application, eligibility questions, etc. Just remember that like all DHS/government programs, there are eligibility requirements.

 

Hope this helps someone!