Your Right to Emergency Care in the U.S.

Oh No! It’s an Emergency! Can I get medical help? YES, You Can!

Everyone in the U.S, including immigrants, has the right to emergency medical care. This is true no matter your immigration status.

The Emergency Medical Treatment Labor Act (EMTALA) is a law in the U.S. that directs hospitals and emergency rooms to help anyone in need of emergency medical care. In cases of emergency, Hospitals cannot refuse to help you because of your immigration status, your ability to pay, or if you do not have insurance.

So what does this law mean for you?

What EMTALA Covers

EMTALA says that hospitals must do these two things:

1. Check your Condition: The hospital must examine you to determine whether your condition is an emergency. They cannot refuse to check you just coz you have no insurance or cannot pay.
2. Stabilize You: If you have an emergency medical condition, the hospital must give you the treatment needed to make you stable. The hospital must make sure you are safe and not in immediate danger. If they cannot treat you, the must send you to another hospital that can help you.

Okay, but What counts as an Emergency?

An emergency is essentially a serious condition that needs immediate care. Some examples include:

• A heart attack or chest pain
• Trouble breathing or Life-threatening allergic reaction
• A serious injury, like a broken bone or deep cut
• Labour pains if you are pregnant
• Severe Pain or Bleeding

Basically if you feel your health is in danger, do not wait. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call 911 for help.

But I can’t pay now?

Even if you cannot pay, Hospitals are required to give you emergency treatment first. After you are treated, the hospital may send you a bill.

If you cannot pay the bill, you can ask the hospital for help. Many hospitals have programs to reduce the cost or let you pay little by little. You do not have to be afraid to ask for help.

No English?

If you do not speak English, hospitals must provide an interpreter. The interpreter will help you understand your care and talk to the doctors and nurses. You can ask for this service, and it is free.

Your Rights Are Protected

It is important to know that getting emergency care will not affect your immigration status. Hospitals do not report patients to immigration authorities.

EMTALA protects everyone, no matter where they are from.

What You Can Do

• Keep important health information with you, like allergies or medicines you take.
• Carry your identification if you have one. But if you do not have it, you can still get care.
• Do not wait if you think you have an emergency. Getting help quickly can save your life.

Everyone in the U.S. has the right to emergency medical care. EMTALA makes sure you can get the help you need when it matters most. Do not let fear stop you from getting care. Hospitals are there to help you in an emergency, no matter your situation.