Comments on: A trip to the emergency room… without insurance.

By: Henrietta

Henrietta — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:17:02 +0000

To live in a society where there isn’t universal free medical care is unthinkable! Everybody I know, young, rich, old, poor uses the National Health service (NHS) in the UK. Unlike Spain (who also boasts a free health care service) people do not even have to hand in ID to be treated. Everybody who enters a UK hospital will be treated regardless of their status. It is one of the very few things that the UK can be proud of.

By: calshana

calshana — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:04:16 +0000

Even if the employer fails to send the application on the correct day, the coverage is retroactive to the first day of eligibility. In this case it appears to be 2/1. Once the application is processed, remember to go back and submit the expenses to the insurance company.

By: Beks

Beks — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:23:01 +0000

Sorry! I should have been more clear. The accident happened before work. He didn’t realize the how severe it was until after he got to work and could no longer see and had extreme pain.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:09:19 +0000

Thank God all worked out ok financially for you. I hope your husband heals quickly.

By: Lizzie

Lizzie — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:41:00 +0000

That is so awesome he was able to receive that care…extra tuition “fees” comes in handy every once in a while!

By: Lynn

Lynn — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:19:05 +0000

Uh, yeah no question that that should have been a workers comp claim. Doesn’t matter if he was on lunch break or even doing something personal, it would be covered by workers comp.

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:33:29 +0000

Yikes!! Great quick thinking by your husband! And time to get on his employer to send in the health insurance forms!!!

By: First Step

First Step — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:28:11 +0000

If he was injured at work, that is a Worker’s Compensation claim. He shouldn’t have to pay anything for the medical care he received. His employer should have arrangements with an ED or urgent care that employees are required to go to when there is an on-the-job injury. If his employer doesn’t have this type of insurance, your husband needs to look for a new job. Injuries are so common in the construction industry. I would want to be sure that your husband (and you) would be taken care of in the event of a more serious injury.

By: Brandi

Brandi — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:56:22 +0000

I loved the care I got at my school doctor offices. It was excellent. I got a mole removed for $14! ($7 for the removal and $7 for a checkup).

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:28:55 +0000

Since he was hurt at work it should have been covered by worker’s comp.

By: Iloveshoes

Iloveshoes — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:27:22 +0000

Wow! I’m so glad everything turned out okay and you avoided a huge medical bill.

By: Claire in CA, USA

Claire in CA, USA — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:36:08 +0000

Wow, so glad that turned out okay! I sure hope his employer puts the application in now. Duh.

By: Jono

Jono — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:25:04 +0000

Jesus. Being in a country with free healthcare, I can’t say I have ever been in your position so I can’t relate, but I hope I am never in the position where financial concerns are a factor in urgent medical treatment. It’s the sort of thing people have nightmares about.