uninsured

[ellesbelles]

If a patient in a hospital refuses to sign a financial responsibility form
because they are low-income and have no health insurance, should they have
to pay the bill? The patient was brought via ambulance, (called in by
someone else, and was involuntarily commited to the psychiatric unit.) The
patient signed consent forms for treatment because the only way the patient
would ever get out of the facility was if the patient was on their best
behavior. However, several staff members continuosly pressured the patient
to sign the financial responsibility form, and the patient still refused.
The patient was denied medical assistance because the pt. works too many
hours/month, yet still is considered poverty level, and has qualified for
charity care. Out of $89,000.00, the hospital is paying $85,000 leaving
$4,000.00 to the patient who feels that they are not responsible for the
remainder of the bill. Please, your legal advice would be greatly
appreciated. The patient did not come to the hospital of their own accord,
did not commit themself, and was held in 4 pt. restraints for 4 out of 22
days. The patient made an attempt on thier life while in the hospital, and was bound in restraints for their own safety.

[randalljd]

If they did not voluntarily agree then that is reason to not pay.