Here's the story.
My friend was in a car accident a few weeks ago. She's on Social Security and Medicaid, and they refuse to pay medical bills for an auto accident. The problem is, she was with some friends and has no idea who the guy was that drove them home. She was the only one hurt and everyone left her at the scene. A couple who witnessed the accident got her out of the truck and called an ambulance to take her to the hospital. Now she needs to have a new heal created for her foot and the hospital wants to know how she's going to pay for this. She said she heard there was a fund to help in this kind of situation but doesn't know the name of it. Just wondering if this is true and if anyone knows the fund.
Thanks
2007-01-25 08:03:02 · 6 answers · asked by I'm his princess 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Most University hospitals carry an "indigent care" program for low/no income families. They are also the ones that provide most of the care for medicare/medicaid patients. Have her contact her local University hospital and inquire about their "Indigent care" program. These programs are based on your level of income from $0-XX. Meaning $0 co-pay to a max based on income. I would start there. While she is doing the paperwork she needs to really push to find out who the driver of the truck was. If anything she can still collect emotional damages in small claims court. Things like this are never pleasant but if you look hard enough there is a network out there for lower income families.
2007-01-25 08:22:25 · answer #1 · answered by Christina S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There should be an accident report that includes car make and model and name of registered owner. Some friends, huh. Medicaid is supposed to pay medical bills. She needs a representative to intervene with Social Security for her. In the meantime, your friend should make an appointment with the financial office at the hospital and apply as an indigent for medical care. What's your problem, Dovie? You don't even know this person's circumstances.
2007-01-25 08:12:36 · answer #2 · answered by beez 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She needs to trace the driver of the car through her friends she was with. If not, maybe the other couple got a license plate. She can contact a plaintiff attorney, who doesn't charge for consultation and won't take a fee unless he recovers for her. The insurer of the car or driver should pick up the medical bills. By the way Medicaid will pay if there is no third party to pick up the tab.
2007-01-25 08:09:25 · answer #3 · answered by Lana S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She needs to find the driver of the car. If the police were called , they should have records of everything. This should be covered under car insurance. That is the reason Social Security and Medicaid won't pay. The car insurance will be primary.
2007-01-25 08:16:44 · answer #4 · answered by juneaulady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know, there's no "fund" for non-life-threatening medical care. There is no such thing as a free ride and she's already on social security and medicaid? Maybe she can find a free lawyer too!
2007-01-25 08:10:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She needs to find the driver and sue the driver for medical expenses. Or she can change hospitals and find a hospital that treats you first then asks you to pay.
2007-01-25 08:12:45 · answer #6 · answered by christigmc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋