Emergency Treatment for the Uninsured

by KYW's Amy Feldman

When an uninsured man drove his speeding snowmobile—drunk and without a helmet—headfirst into a tree, he obviously needed medical attention (on so many levels).  If you are uninsured but in need of medical treatment, should you go to the emergency room?  You’re always asked—first—about your type of insurance.  Can you be denied treatment if the answer is “none”? 

If you are having an actual emergency—go to the hospital.  You can’t be refused treatment in the event of an actual emergency even if you’re not insured.  Under the law, patients with an emergency medical condition are entitled to screening, stabilizing treatment, and appropriate transfers before being questioned about their ability to pay.  But if you go to the emergency room for a condition that’s not an emergency, the hospital staff is only required to screen you to make sure it’s not an urgent health threat.  Being stupid doesn’t qualify as an emergency, except when you hit your head while doing it.