Can a hospital refuse me as a Medicaid patient because of a past unpaid bill?

Question

I did not have Medicaid when I visited their office before. I am unable to pay the bill. I am now pregnant and have Medicaid and need to see a specific doctor in this facility. They are refusing to see me because of the past unpaid bill, even though I have Medicaid, they are a hospital, and they are a Medicaid provider. Is this legal?

Answer 1

They CAN refuse, except in ONE case only, emergency service. As a business, they can refuse service to anyone at any time, except for an emergency, and then, they only need provide a minimum to keep you stable.

Answer 2

Originally, hospitals were considered charitable because they provided relief to the poor. In

1956, the Commissioner published guidance providing requirements that a hospital must satisfy

to be exempt as a charitable organization. Revenue Ruling 56-185,1956-1 C.B. 202, required,

among other things, that a hospital must operate to the extent of its financial ability for those not

able to pay for the services rendered and not exclusively for those who are able and expected to

pay, and ordinarily must not refuse to accept patients in need of hospital care who cannot pay

for such services.

Answer 3

I believe so.  They are not obligated to accept any particular person.

Call the physician's office, he may be associated with more than one hospital in the community.

Answer 4

They are also a business too.  

If you were dying or injured and they refused care it would be a different situation but since you are not they can tell you to go to another hospital unless you pay the bill.

Answer 5

I dont think it is. But I suggest you find a different Dr. to see!! Your medicade office can give you a list of Dr. that will see you so try that. Best of Luck.