hospitals are not helping?

Question

right.we say that we all want to help the homless and the mentally ill then why do we not give them free hospital care because just because they cant afford it doesnt meen we should not help them

no new york

Answer 1

I have read the answers to your question a lot of good points there are some who do choose to stay homeless only there are others who don't some of those with an addiction do not choose that addiction it happens also there are those who have had a bad homelife and have escaped onto the streets which is not an easy choice to make, I could go on forever about the types who have a mental health illness, that is not a choice either I have helped out with a local homeless group and some of the things you hear would break your heart but some you know are abusing the kindness of others. Everyone who has a mental health problem should get medical care for free which they do in the UK only the sad thing in certain circumstances if they are not a danger to themselves or others not a great deal can be done if they don't accept the help. I have never had this illness only I do not try not to judge and I consider myself fortunate to have caring family and friends some are not that lucky.

Answer 2

Actually, you're mistaken on this. Publicly-run hospitals (ie: not privately-owned) cannot turn down any person for necessary care. States have government programs in use that help divert the cost of care that hospitals "donate" to uninsured patients. Furthermore, psychiatric hospitals that are state-run cannot turn down mentally ill patients either. There are, however, a few problems with this method.

#1:Homeless patients very often don't seek treatment for medical problems as soon as they should because the resources available to the rest of us aren't always as available to them, so their medical problems tend to go unresolved.

#2:The mentally ill are generally either brought in by family members or the police department, in which case they're generally under the order of an emergency petition (it differs from being arrested, in that the officer lists reasons to believe that the person is suffering from some kind of psychotic episode). Most psychiatric treatment is not sought electively.

#3:In more urban areas where homelessness runs rampant, and where a great number of the population is uninsured, the hospitals lose so much money from the write-offs for these patients that their budgets are over-extended and their level of care is ultimately affected by a lack of funding, so members of those communities either seek better treatment elsewhere or receive a lower standard of care.

Answer 3

Actually hospitals do render free care to the indigent, including the homeless. It is (generally) illegal for a hospital to reject a prospective patient based upon that person's inability to pay. In fact, many hospitals operate seriously in the red for the very reason that they provide care to the uninsured.
Addendum: I live in the United States. Regardless of one's financial status or lack of insurance, the hospital will bill the patient for services performed because they must be paid in order to continue serving the community in which they are located, plus they will hope to recoup at least some of the expenses incurred in treating the patient; billing is currently automated/computerized. If time passes, and patients' debts are not collectible, eventually the hospital will write them off and take the loss.

Answer 4

I work for the NHS (National Health Service) in the UK. It is in charge of all state owned health care from hospitals to nursing home, pharmacies to clinics. Their motto is everyone is entitled to FREE healthcare including the homeless, foreign visitors etc. I went travelling to America and i was appalled at how people who can not afford insurance are left with nothing or Medicare which can be useless sometimes. I went to hospital in Florida and the bill was nearly £1000 for just going to ER and getting my leg examined, but I had surgery last year in Manchester and all i had to pay for was my grapes. I agree all countries should have some sort of state owned health care for the less affluent

Answer 5

If you are mentally ill then state funded health care facilities WILL help you. But because you are homeless is something you have to deal with I think. Not being rude but I think a homeless person can get off the streets if they really wanted to. Their are those shelters and government apartments that charge rent based on your income and being homeless I guess you don't have a job which isn't an excuse either because ANYONE can get a job as long as you are not picky and you will take what is available.

Answer 6

Where are you from? What modern country does not give free health care to the mentally ill???????

Answer 7

If YOU really want to give someone free medical care, go down to your local hospital and pay their bills for them.

Answer 8

i agree. its soo sad to know that everything revolves around money. forget the hospitals and head more towards charities, they help people that dont have any money at all!

Answer 9

i agree with what you say , BUT , some homeless and mentally ill are made by their own choiche , by drink , drug's , gambling etc

Answer 10

You are not in Australia either.