Can a patient be asked if they have medical insurance when they present to an emergency room?

Question

Is it illegal to obtain insurance information before a patient is triaged in an emergency room? What are the regulations regarding EMTALA?

Answer 1

From the EMTALA FAQ (http://www.emtala.com/faq.htm ): "Can the hospital inquire about the patient's ability to pay?

Yes, but timing is everything. The statute does not prohibit an inquiry into availability of medical insurance; it does provide that neither examination nor treatment may be delayed to make the inquiry.

Some knowledgeable commentators have suggested that no discussion of any payment issues should take place before the medical screening examination and any needed stabilizing treatment are provided. Others have found no reason for an outright prohibition on asking about insurance coverage while the patient is waiting for the examination so long as it is made clear that financial considerations will not affect decisions regarding examination and treatment. "

Answer 2

In the US, it is appropriate to ask for insurance information before treating a patient, if at all possible.
The rule is, a hospital has to give emergency care, even if the patient does not have the ability to pay.

Answer 3

There is nothing illegal about asking a patient for insurance information. It would only be illegal if the answer impacted the quality of care the patient receives.

Answer 4

unfortunately yes they can, hospitals cannot refuse to render aid but they can place you in line so to speak. many patients who aid is rendered to do not have insurance and then the hospital is left without any form of payment. this and many other factors contribute to the healthcare mess.

Answer 5

Yes they can ask. No they cannot withhold life saving emergency treatment, no matter the answer.

Answer 6

They can ask if you have it, most insurances have policies about what is covered, medications, labs, etc.
You CANNOT be denied treatment for lack of insurance.

Answer 7

yes if u have emtala