Can't speak to other states, but in Tx we have Minor Emergency clinics. They take care of routine and minor illnesses and injuries. I don't know if they are 'required' to treat the indigent.
http://primacare.com/content/content.as ... ices'&id2=County clinics are available for immunizations for free or low cost, depending on income. Had a TB test there once. Miserable environment.
Run people through like cattle. First come, first serve, long waits.
Some charities work with some hospitals. A person's bill for an emergency room visit can be covered in full depending on need. The hospital handles all the paperwork. Otherwise, you receive monthly bills until its paid or goes to collections. Then the person (and their relatives/friends) will receive hounding phone calls for all eternity.
The county hospital nearest me is very busy but has some of the best doctors in the country. The poor pay according to income. They have an OB/GYN clinic. Interesting that the wealthest county in Tx is adjacent to the county this hospital is in. They provide nothing for indigent, so all their indigent utilize this hospital, creating long waits.
http://www.parklandhospital.com/whowear ... lance.htmlTheir demographics
http://www.parklandhospital.com/whowear ... ients.htmlThere's also the WIC program. Low income moms can receive coupons for free commodities if they attend WIC classes on nutrition and health. The coupons are for crap food- milk, cheese, peanut butter, juice, cereal, etc. Could be worse I guess. They also provide immunizations or referrals.
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/default.shtmAnd the latest trend, Retailers (WalMart) and Pharmacies providing in-store clinic. They give you a beeper.... shop until they can see you.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05278/583075.stm
