I was hit by a car last year, and the hospital gave me a bill of more than $20,000. A little under half is paid, but there's a lot left. They've since stopped sending bills. I just want to know if a hospital could refuse to treat a patient (whether critical or not), or is there a point where that they would have to- like if a man is dying.
2006-10-13 17:12:34 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
I had to have an emergency, life saving surgery over spring break. My parents still can't afford to pay off my $100,000 hospital bill from then. I recently had to go back to the hospital for more surgery and they could not refuse me treatment.
2006-10-13 17:38:13 · answer #1 · answered by tiggerchic006 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe they're getting him for lying to a judge or something like that but as far as I know they can't arrest you for debts. No debtors prisons in the United States unless the court twists it about like it sounds happened in this case. Sounds like he should at least try to get a Legal Aid attorney if he can't get a PD. I owed the hospital $72,000 for a stroke and they wrote it off before they even presented the bill ... most hospitals have donors who will back these debts but the person has to apply for them and NOT promise to pay them and show they have no means to pay. If you're up front with them they will find a program that will take care of it for you. The hospital's main intention is to get paid but they usually need the patient's co-operation and perhaps the signing of a few documents to cover the hospital. The judge probably knew this and was upset that the proper channels had not been followed so he came down hard perhaps not knowing that your relative did not know that alternatives were available. Oftentimes the hospital will not volunteer the info unless asked since that could cause a run on the donors generosity and the hospital may fear the loss of some donors if that occurs. I think the only step at this point is to bring in a public defender or contact Legal Aid in your area. They're not easy to find but if you contact your local county health clinic they should have a number for Legal Aid or be able to steer you to someone who does. The charities will all have the numbers too. Catholic Charities can often recommend a Legal Aid attorney. I AM Dartagnon
2016-05-22 00:23:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
absolutely not!you would have a law suit they have to treat you.not to get into your financial business but there are programs that if you make under a certain amount of money they work with you on the bill,you are trying to pay and that shows alot of character,some people dont pay at all.
2006-10-13 17:23:13 · answer #3 · answered by happy-go-lucky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing a hospital has to do is stabalize you. They do not have to treat you after this point. They can send you home after you are stable.
2006-10-13 17:22:37 · answer #4 · answered by rutchy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should live in australia, if you have a car accident u get FREE hospital treatment. but if u want ur own private room with a fridge and stuff then u have to have good health insurance.
2006-10-13 17:15:58 · answer #5 · answered by . 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the county hospital you live in.
THEY CAN NOT REFUSE YOU!
I have the same problem.
2006-10-13 17:17:29 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends if you go to a non-profit hospital or for profit hospital. They do have to stabilize you if you are a critical at profit hospitals but thats it. sucks huh.
2006-10-13 17:20:28 · answer #7 · answered by roncho 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they may not like it but they must treat you..there may be some programs in your state that can help you with your bills....
2006-10-13 17:21:30 · answer #8 · answered by yellabanana77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Move to Canda and you wouldnt have to worry! We love Immigrants!
2006-10-13 17:16:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope must treat you...medication on the other hand is usally up to you to pay for....which stinks
2006-10-13 18:14:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋