Need of a surgery, no insurance (low income, health insurance, purchase)

[NeedOfEmergency]

Last week I fractured by fifth metacarpal and had to go to an immediate care center. Today I went for a followup and was told that I need surgery. If I do not get surgery I will lose mobility in 2 fingers and get early arthritis (I am 20). I cannot afford an out of pocket surgery as I am a full time student and my mother is in the low income bracket. I know that many hospitals have financial aid plans, which can even waive the cost, but my question is: If I were to go to John Stroger Emergency Room and tell them my bone is displaced etc, would they be able to help me and give me surgery ?

[MassVt]

Originally Posted by NeedOfEmergency

Last week I fractured by fifth metacarpal and had to go to an immediate care center. Today I went for a followup and was told that I need surgery. If I do not get surgery I will lose mobility in 2 fingers and get early arthritis (I am 20). I cannot afford an out of pocket surgery as I am a full time student and my mother is in the low income bracket. I know that many hospitals have financial aid plans, which can even waive the cost, but my question is: If I were to go to John Stroger Emergency Room and tell them my bone is displaced etc, would they be able to help me and give me surgery ?

THere is the possibility of a payment plan, but are you sure that your mother has no insurance? She might qualify for Medicaid, and with you being only 20, you could be added onto her policy. Talk with her, and talk with your local public hospital to see what could be done..

[Hiruko]

Originally Posted by NeedOfEmergency

Last week I fractured by fifth metacarpal and had to go to an immediate care center. Today I went for a followup and was told that I need surgery. If I do not get surgery I will lose mobility in 2 fingers and get early arthritis (I am 20). I cannot afford an out of pocket surgery as I am a full time student and my mother is in the low income bracket. I know that many hospitals have financial aid plans, which can even waive the cost, but my question is: If I were to go to John Stroger Emergency Room and tell them my bone is displaced etc, would they be able to help me and give me surgery ?

If you live in Cook County, your best bet is the County Health & Hospitals System. Kudos to you for not being arrogant and thinking that you should be able to waltz into Rush or Northwestern with no insurance. Yes, virtually all hospitals, because they are not-for-profit, have financial aid and charitable programs. However, the Catholic hospitals and the County are your best bet. County will definitely be able to help you out, and they do have good physicians and allied health professionals. Give it a go.

[NeedOfEmergency]

Originally Posted by MassVt

THere is the possibility of a payment plan, but are you sure that your mother has no insurance? She might qualify for Medicaid, and with you being only 20, you could be added onto her policy. Talk with her, and talk with your local public hospital to see what could be done..

I am 100% sure she does not have medicaid or anything. Both of us are without insurance, which sucks.

[NeedOfEmergency]

Originally Posted by Hiruko

If you live in Cook County, your best bet is the County Health & Hospitals System. Kudos to you for not being arrogant and thinking that you should be able to waltz into Rush or Northwestern with no insurance. Yes, virtually all hospitals, because they are not-for-profit, have financial aid and charitable programs. However, the Catholic hospitals and the County are your best bet. County will definitely be able to help you out, and they do have good physicians and allied health professionals. Give it a go.

Thanks! I will go to the county ER tonight. I made a call to a representative and I was told that even if they do not do a surgery at the ER, they will give me a referral right away to have surgery done by a cook county doctor. I also found out that with a low income and no insurance, I will most likely be waived of all costs.

[Hiruko]

Originally Posted by NeedOfEmergency

Thanks! I will go to the county ER tonight. I made a call to a representative and I was told that even if they do not do a surgery at the ER, they will give me a referral right away to have surgery done by a cook county doctor. I also found out that with a low income and no insurance, I will most likely be waived of all costs.

That is correct.

Originally Posted by MassVt

THere is the possibility of a payment plan, but are you sure that your mother has no insurance? She might qualify for Medicaid, and with you being only 20, you could be added onto her policy. Talk with her, and talk with your local public hospital to see what could be done..

Do not get wrapped up in any payment plan with any private hospital that isn't Catholic.

[kitty_nina1]

You should be able to purchase student health insurance through your school. It may be pricey, but at least it'll cover the surgery somewhat. You'll still be able to work out a payment plan with the hospital for your portion of the cost.
I don't know if it is a possibility right now as the school year is almost over and you probably need to be enrolled full time this summer as well to be able to purchase it now, but it is worth checking out.

[Maki_Chicago]

When I attended years ago, you had to have insurance coverage and school offered it.
I even took one course my “last semester” to have insurance before I started job.

[Curly Q. Bobalink]

Originally Posted by NeedOfEmergency

I am 100% sure she does not have medicaid or anything. Both of us are without insurance, which sucks.

Sincere question - I thought that everyone in the country either had to have health insurance coverage, and if not, enroll in the Affordable Care Act? (Obamacare), or be hit with fines. Is that no longer true?

To the OP, since the ACA is largely subsidized for low income folks, why are you and Mom not enrolled in it? To your question, absolutely go to Stroger, speak to a social worker there who will be able to give you Illinois-centric advice.

[PJSaturn]

Thread closed. Per post #5, OP's problem has been resolved. Thank you all for your helpful posts.

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