Do they turn the homeless away at hospitals, in the States?

Question

In Canada, where I'm from, the government uses our taxes to pay the doctors and hospitals. And I know in the States you have to pay yourself, so do hospitals turn the homeless away or what?

Answer 1

Anyone with emergency medical needs is treated regardless of ability to pay.  The hospital absorbs the bill or the state pays for it.

For non-emergency elective procedures, people can be and are turned away.

Answer 2

no they will just get a bill that will not get paid, then the drs will charge more for their services and the people who do have insurance end up paying more because of the people who do not. some drs offices will not see patients that have no insurance

Answer 3

No everyone is entitled to treatment for whatever the problem.

Answer 4

In most cases it's against the law to turn someone away at a hospital.  If turned away they could sue that hospital and they wouldn't be homeless for long after that.  Many of the homeless in the US are that way because they want to be that way.  I know of at least a half dozen "homeless" people that have several thousands of dollars in the bank but they choose to live in a dumpster with no bills and no one telling them what to do.  These people usually don't go to hospitals.

No offense but I've seen and read about the medical treatment the Canadians get and personally, I'll keep my American citizenship and all of my FREE medical that I have now thanks to the military.  It's so lame to expect the government to pay for my life when I've worked hard all my life.

Answer 5

From regular hospital care, yes. But no one can be turned away from emergency room.

Unfortunately, there is nothing that says you can't ALWAYS go to the emergency room.

So our hospitals lose tons of money and the health care costs for regular citizens keeps climbing higher.  

Answer 6

First off, we don't pay 50% plus of our income to pay heathcare.  Myself I work, pay taxes, and have my own health insurance and I know this sounds crude, but I don't wish to pay for others who don't want to work but want a handout all the time.  I believe in doing for myself and standing on my own feet.

Answer 7

Dr. offices may turn you away...an emergency room CANNOT turn you away.  The emergency room may also be able to help you get put on medicaid, so that you may see a Dr. on a regular basis.

Answer 8

if you have a life-threaten condition, they must treat you and for others they could care less.