If someone has health insurance in the US, does the insurer issue you with a credit card type id record for you to carry on your person?

If, for example, you are in an accident and taken unconscious to the hospital would the attending medical staff be able to find out if you are insured by going through your wallet?

Also, if you are uninsured or they can't ascertain whether you are or not, what is protocol? Presumably there is an immediate moral duty to treat the patient, but beyond that what happens? Will you be booted out if you are unable to pay? Or moved to a state-type hospital of some kind where care is free or where you pay whatever you can?

Can someone please enlighten me. Thanks.

We are issued plastic insurance cards with our group and account numbers. But no one can be turned away from an emergency room, even if they do not have insurance.

My understanding is that if you are uninsured, you will be given emergency treatment even if you can not pay for it, but you would have to pay for routine treatment. I'm not sure in which category follow-up for treatment in the E.R. would fall.

Also, what I have described is our current system. We have recently had sweeping health care legislation passed. Among other things, it will require everyone to have health insurance. The new legislation has not yet been enforced, and there are questions as to its constitutionality. It might be struck down by the Supreme Court. All this is to say that our current system may or may not be the same one we'll be using in a few years.

Joy,
Lynn

The US healthcare system is seriously FUBAR. And that was *before* they "reformed" it -- but so far, the "reform" isn't helping much other than convincing employers they need to stop offering health insurance to their employees, 'cause it's gonna be too danged expensive.

But, um, as to your question -- yes, usually people with insurance carry cards in their wallets. Usually it's just laminated paper or plastic, no magnetic strip like credit cards. And no one can be turned away from an emergency room, which I assume is where you'd be taken if you're unconscious.

PJ

Yes. That also gives access to your medical records.
The uninsured are treated free in emergency rooms, which has led to our financial healthcare crises. Our local hospital has just opened a clinic where the uninsured can be treated free for minor ailments and not burden the ERs. There is access to state funded care programs for the uninsured.
Artemis

Actually, you can be turned away from an emergency room, if your condition is not a true emergency. But if you're unconscious, you will typically be treated and billed. If you don't pay your bill, the state's Medicare system is stuck paying it.

Thanks eveyone. Now I can write those two whole sentences in my fic knowing they will be accurate.

In our rural area, there is no other option than the emergency room for the uninsured. So they are treated and billed, but they don't pay. That's why this other clinic is opening, because it is cheaper to operate.

Artemis