Could somebody educate me? Being a UK national, I am only familiar with the NHS. I have tried to understand the US system of heathcare but it seems mighty complicated. I get that people have medical insurance, privately and through employment, and I'm aware of Medicare and Medicaid. But, for example, what would happen in the case of a homeless person (without insurance) being hit by a car and subsequently developing long term injuries. Would they receive emergency treatment? What would their situation be in the long term?
We often hear, over here, that if you don't have any insurance in the US, you're just left to die! I find that hard to believe.
Please enlighten me!
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Emergency care and hospitalization is always given in emergencies to every individual, regardless of income or status. For the impoverished, if the hospital can bill Medicaid, they will do so. Medicaid usually pays in those instances. There are rules about being able to discharge such patients--like how stable they must be, and if they are they going to rehab or nursing home. Nursing home care is also paid by Medicaid if patient has no other resources.
MarPep
Level 7
Mar 16, 2019
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Thanks for that. What about somebody born with a congenital condition which requires lifelong management but who also has no resources?
@Incajackson Usually able to get Medicaid--State programs assisted by some Federal monies. Rules differ by State.
They also give significant discounts for cash buyers. The total hospital bill for two days with zero medical intervention in a natural birth was over 22000USD, and in the end, they wanted less than 5500. Was a Catholic owned hospital, just because it happened to be closest hospital to where I was at the time I went into labour. Meals were made fresh on demand, and actually quite tasty.
From the various countries I have been, the allopathic healthcare is significantly better at the US than elsewhere. While I do think their medical schools are rapidly going down the drain, most doctors are still far better educated than many other countries, as well.
Private ensurers exist, so if and whenever someone claims that if a US resident doesn't have any sort of healthcare coverage they will die, that's untrue.
SpikeTalon
Level 10
Mar 16, 2019
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