Emergency Healthcare Help
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Emergency care is available to everyone, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
Your Emergency Healthcare Rights
Federal law protects your right to emergency medical care, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay
Mandatory Medical Screening
Hospitals must examine you to determine if you have an emergency medical condition
No Payment Required Upfront
Hospitals cannot refuse to screen or treat you because you cannot pay
Stabilization Requirement
Hospitals must stabilize your emergency medical condition before discharge or transfer
No Unsafe Transfers
You cannot be transferred to another hospital until you are medically stable
Language Interpretation Services
Free professional interpreters must be provided in your language
Informed Consent
You have the right to understand your treatment and give informed consent
Patient Advocate Access
You can request to speak with a patient advocate or social worker
Privacy Protection (HIPAA)
Your medical information is protected and confidential
Critical Emergency Contacts
Save these numbers - they could save your life or someone else's
Emergency Medical Services
Life-threatening emergencies
Available 24/7 in all languages
Crisis Text Line
Mental health crisis support
Free, confidential, 24/7
Poison Control Center
Poisoning emergencies
Expert poison information 24/7
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
National suicide prevention hotline
Crisis counseling 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
National domestic violence support
Safe, confidential support 24/7
Language Line Services
Professional interpretation
Free at emergency departments
Emergency Preparedness Guide
Be prepared before an emergency happens - gather these items now
Identification Documents
- • Driver's license or state ID
- • Passport or consular ID
- • Birth certificate
- • Any government-issued photo ID
- • Even expired IDs can be helpful
Medical Information
- • List of current medications and dosages
- • Known allergies (medications, foods, materials)
- • Chronic medical conditions
- • Previous surgeries or hospitalizations
- • Emergency contact information
Insurance & Financial Documents
- • Health insurance cards (if you have them)
- • Medicaid or Medicare cards
- • Previous hospital or clinic records
- • Remember: No insurance? You'll still be treated
Triage Process
- • Initial assessment of your condition
- • Priority based on medical urgency, not arrival time
- • Most serious cases are seen first
- • Wait times vary based on severity
Medical Screening & Treatment
- • Detailed examination by medical staff
- • Diagnostic tests (blood work, X-rays, etc.)
- • Treatment to stabilize your condition
- • Discharge planning or hospital admission
Language Support Available
- • Free professional interpreter services
- • Phone or video interpretation available
- • Medical translation for all communications
- • Written materials in your language
Financial Protection & Assistance
You have options for managing emergency medical bills
- Charity care programs available
- Payment plans with low or no interest
- Income-based bill reduction or forgiveness
- Ask to speak with a financial counselor
Quick Reference Card
Bookmark this page or save this information for quick access in emergencies
Emergency Numbers
Your Rights
Your immigration status does not matter in a medical emergency. Federal law protects your right to emergency care.