Medical treatment

[brunt11 0]

I am not sure if I have posted this  the right section. Apologies if I haven't.

 

i am currently going through my adjustment of status paperwork submitted just waiting on the temporary work visa. So currently I have an alien number and not much else 

 

in the mean time I have managed to cut my foot quite badly and it might require stitches. I am not covered by my travel insurance any more and my wife's insurance won't cover me until I have a ssn.

 

is there anyway I can get treatment without having to take out a mortgage to cover it? Any programmes or is it just a case of trying to look for a free clinic.

(context I am based just south of Los Angeles)

[JFH 12,189]

Why don’t you have an SSN yet? 

[Lemonslice 4,549]

SSN isn't mandatory to get health insurance, have your wife tell them to use another number as your identifier (birth date, passport number, etc.)

[geowrian 22,335]

Agreed - an SSN is not required for insurance. You may have to jump through some hoops to get it worked out with HR or the insurance company, but it absolutely is possible to get coverage without an SSN.

 

Without insurance, look for discount programs, try to work out a payment plan with the provider, see if they offer discounts for paying cash (most do), etc.

[EandH0904 1,184]

If you can find a quick care clinic - they are usually under $100. Some pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS) have them. Otherwise look up Quick Care clinic, urgent care, etc. Usually independent ones not associated with a hospital are more affordable. 

 

As an ER nurse for 16 years now - just an FYI you have about an 8 hour time frame to get stitches for a laceration. After that, they won't sew it as it's too risky for infection. I see your post is an hour old so GO NOW!

 

They might want to update your tetanus or give you an antibiotic depending on how you cut yourself. Let them know that you don't have insurance and ask for one of the cheaper antibiotics. You can always go next week to the local Health Department to get a tetanus if you're worried about out of pocket price. 

[bakphx1 785]

Another option for your area is the health system that charges on the ability to pay 

 

http://dhs.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dhs/main/mobile/findaclinic

[Wuozopo 4,285]

Go to a clinic that does not call themselves an Emergency Room. They charge more than the quick clinics...ER fees. 

 

Also UK people seem to think if you have insurance, medical care is free. Not so. Even if you had new insurance under your spouse, you would not have met your deductible yet so would be paying the full cost anyway. The positive is insurance companies typically negotiate rates and the charge is not as high as their sticker price. Places usually offer a discount to those without insurance if you pay up front or within a set timeframe.

[geowrian 22,335]

54 minutes ago, Wuozopo said:

Even if you had new insurance under your spouse, you would not have met your deductible yet so would be paying the full cost anyway.

Unless there is no deductible (or the costs are greater than the educable), or the charges are under co-deductables (i.e. beneficiary covers first x% towards deductible and the insurance company covers the remaining %).

Edit: Or if there is no deductible applied for the treatment.

Edited October 28, 2018 by geowrian

[yuna628 9,527]

I'm having a crazy image in my head of someone sitting down with a bleeding gaping wound typing on VJ instead of seeking medical treatment!

 

Nevertheless, get yourself to your nearest urgent care clinic and they should have a look at it for you. You'll have to pay out of pocket, but that's how it is in America. Also there is no reason why you cannot have insurance without an SSN, it's by the law that you shouldn't be refused. Regardless though sadly it seems you may be in a situation where you didn't realize you were eligible to receive an SSN right off the bat and now are waiting on the EAD. Doesn't matter. If you need medical care you need medical care. So get off the PC and please go get it.