I am a citizen of Russia (lived here all my life). I was visiting my brother on vacation last year in USA and had a seizure and small stroke so I had to stay in the hospital for a few days. They did a MRI, Cat scan and other things to see what’s going on. I am 60 and have a history of strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes so before I went on vacation, I purchased in Rusia health travel insurance for K. My hospital bill in Houston was K so I thought there will be no problem.
Last week ago, I received in Russia the hospital bill for K because insurance didn’t want to pay because of “preexisting condition”. My question is what can happen to me? I am very, very worried. My salary here in Rusia is about K a year so it’s normal that I can’t pay K hospital bill. My brother in USA says nothing can happen but I am really worried. I can’t believe anybody will just leave me alone for this much money. Can you please help in any way; what can they do to me? Thank you so much!
Thanks for reponse Katy. Actually, here in Rusia all that stuff is free too. If I only knew I was going to get sick I would have stayd home.
you could begin making small payments, what ever you can afford, its going to be ok. as long as they are getting some money they can’t do other stuff its our law.
OMG!!! 20k, you should have checked into guatanamo bay, they have excellent FREE health care there lol.
Were you advised when you purchased health insurance that you weren’t covered? I have no idea what they can do but I would try and get the insurer to foot the bill.
They LOVE to get out of having to pay out so make sure they are legit that they are not responsible for Pre-Existing conditions.
I just cannot believe it, a 20k hospital bill!!! it is beyond belief that America is not classed as a 3rd world country.
They cannot throw you in jail. I don’t think there is anything they can do to you.
Well if it makes you feel better then call or e-mail the hospital and tell them your situation. They will most likely after talking to you end up just writing off your whole bill. As it is quite obvious they can not expect you to pay a $20k hospital bill when you make $10K a year. If they still want you to pay…well sucks for them because honestly they are not going to pursue a bill for someone that lives in Russia. Just tell them that you can’t pay. They can’t sue you and make you pay the money if you are not living in the United States. They will just “eat” this bill. HOWEVER if you are visiting again I would recommend going to ANOTHER hospital. lol
By the way if have not figured out yet, The USA has the highest quality of healthcare in the world, HOWEVER we have the WORSE access to that care in the world. Meaning our healthcare system is quite broken.
If you cannot pay then the hospital sends you a bill. If you still dont play then you gset ssent to the credit breau. Hope it helps.
it will go into collections so you will eventually pay the bill
dont worry the taxpayers will pick up the tab….
They really have very little recourse against you. They can report you to credit agency’s here in the US. I don’t think that will affect you in Russia.
They can try to sue you, but again you live in Russia.
only reason you were charged 20,000 is because the though you had ins. have you brother call and explain to them your problem. do not come back to visit because when they find out you are in the country they may hold you here because you owe hosp. money. don’t think that they want hold you. try to explain that and see where you get. nowhere
It depends on your financial situation. All hospitals that receive federal funds are required to deliver a certain amount of charity care. This is decided by how much charity care the hospital has given and what your income is. Contact the hospital and explain your situation. Also ask them to send you the appropriate paperwork. You should fill this out and send it in as soon as possible. I do not know if you would be eligible for this since you are not a US Citizen.