Hospital Question
 

Hey guys!

I feel guilty every time I post as I'm only asking for advice, but can't give much of my own.

Anyways, bad luck struck me recently when my mom had to go to the hospital and then she was diagnosed with diabetes.

Some details: She lives with me and I support her financially fully. My brother lives with me and I support him too. Her visa expired a long time ago. I have DACA, if that isn't clear.

She spent some days at the hospital and now she is out. The hospital wants a letter from me stating that she lives with me and I support her financially. They are saying it is just Emergency Medicaid. (Texas btw)

I need advice badly on how to proceed. I'm not sure how much it will cost and I worked so hard to build up good credit for the future for all of us. But now is a horrible time to take a hit. Her credit is already bad. So is there a way to have it on her and I pay through her by proxy?

Thanks in advance!

Re: Hospital Question
 

I'm not sure if this applies for Texas, but in NY undocumented immigrants can apply for emergency medicaid (only covers the emergency visit) without any risks. There's even a little legend on the medicaid application stating that no information is shared with immigration agencies.

As for long term treatment, ask hospitals in your are if they offer any type of financial aid. Around here, the best hospital near where I live (where people in critical condition get helicoptered in to) offer financial aid despite immigration status and we get everything at 80% discount.

Re: Hospital Question
 

This is a lifeline that the hospital is extending to you and your mother because of your financial situation - take it. If what you wrote is true and you can prove it, write your letter, if possible supply a copy of your last tax return, and apply for her. Also, if for some reason your mother's status hits a roadblock for Medicaid coverage, call tomorrow and ask for the hospital's financial office for charity care coverage and how to apply.

See, all hospitals have this, they just prefer not to use their own funds if you can obtain them from the state. It is very, very common*

*I have worked in the healthcare field for years. Good luck.

Re: Hospital Question
 

Thanks, I've given them the letter and they said she will qualify for emergency Medicaid. Hope this reduces the overall bill.