Medical care for foreign national in US [duplicate]

Medical care for foreign national in US [duplicate] - American flag and crop unrecognizable person with pile of dollars

My neighbor had company in the US from Colombia. They incurred hospital bills that they never paid. My neighbor is wondering if the US can deny his family's visitor visas the next time they visit?



Best Answer

No, immigration doesn't care.

When you take medical services in the US, you are taking them from a doctor or hospital, which is either a private person or business, or a non-profit charity. With rare exception, they are not run by the US government. Whoever they are, they bill you for the medical care, at "retail" (rich foreigner) rates. That varies between "perfectly reasonable" (doctor) to "insane" ($15,000 for a $400 dialysis treatment). To be honest, they don't expect the bill to be paid in full, and it can often be settled for far less. (if you paid $400 on that dialysis bill, they're happy).

All that to say, it's a very different situation than, say, the United Kingdom; where the government (NHS) pays for all healthcare and that can influence immigration.

It is certainly a doctrine of the US government that we don't want you coming to our country and flinging yourself onto public services like welfare or food stamps. But since healthcare is largely in private hands, the government will not know or care about a hospital bill outstanding from private parties.




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Medical care for foreign national in US [duplicate] - Top view of face mask placed on wooden table decorated with ribbons with United States flag pattern
Medical care for foreign national in US [duplicate] - Top view of sterile face mask placed on white shabby wooden table with American flag ribbons
Medical care for foreign national in US [duplicate] - Top view of ribbons and star badge with US flag pattern decorating rustic white wooden table with medical mask



Can you buy health insurance if you are not a US citizen?

You do not have to be a US citizen to purchase health insurance, but you do have to be a documented (lawful) permanent resident or green card holder. If you do not have legal status in the US, there are still some options available to you (see #2 below). 1.

How do I get Tessera Sanitaria?

In order to get your Tessera Sanitaria (Italian Health Insurance Card) you will have to have:
  • Your passport.
  • A valid permit to stay or the receipt you get when you ask for it.
  • A valid Codice Fiscale (Italian Tax Code) issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency)


  • How long does a Tessera Sanitaria last?

    From issuance, the card is valid for six years. A new card is sent automatically to the entitled citizens, before the expiration date, to their residence at the address resulting in the Italian Tax Register.

    How long does it take to receive Tessera Sanitaria?

    5 \u2013 The operator will release you a Tessera Sanitaria in paper (Italian Health Insurance Card) while a plastic one will be delivered at your home address by mail after a few weeks.



    Green Card Immigration Medical Exam | Can you be denied visa due to health-related grounds? #medical




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