Reply #10: Generally, they are stabilized and then attempts are made to transfer to a state

[cbayer]

or county hospital, but this isn't always possible.

If they continue to need hospitalization, the hospital will generally keep them while attempting to obtain medicaid, which is easier to get once the total medical bill reaches a certain level. They are definitely tracking all the charges and will try to recoup any way they can.

Once the patient no longer needs the hospital, things become much more difficult. As doctors, radiation centers, labs, etc, are not required to accept patients who can not pay, hospitals try to arrange treatment at state or county facilities. This is where the patient can really fall through the cracks, as they may be refused treatment everywhere they turn.

Patients who have some, but not much, money, will be forced to "spend down" until they qualify for medicaid. Medicare isn't available for a full two years after a person is considered "disabled" by an illness, so it's not an option.