What happens if I go to the ER and can't pay?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

Under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act in the United States, hospital emergency departments are legally required to screen and stabilize every patient experiencing an emergency medical condition regardless of their insurance status, citizenship, or ability to pay. Once your immediate medical emergency is stabilized, the hospital will discharge you and later send the medical bills to your home. If you cannot afford to pay, you can contact the hospital's financial assistance department to apply for charity care, sliding-scale fee reductions, or Medicaid programs. While unpaid emergency bills can eventually be sent to collection agencies and negatively impact your credit score, nonprofit and public hospitals are mandated to offer financial aid programs for low-income patients.

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