Your Healthcare Rights
Federal Protections for All Patients
This guide will show you national healthcare rules that protect all patients. Understanding these rights helps you get the care you need and stay safe in the system!
Critical Rights You Must Know
These protections apply to everyone, regardless of immigration status
Emergency Care
EMTALA guarantees emergency treatment for all
Privacy Protection
HIPAA shields your medical information
No Discrimination
ACA prohibits discrimination in healthcare
Your Healthcare Rights Explained
Learn about the main laws that protect your healthcare rights
Emergency Care Guarantee
This law says that hospitals must help you if you have a medical emergency. They cannot turn you away because you cannot pay.
What Hospitals Must Do:
Check You
The hospital must check to see if you have an emergency.
Treat You
If you have an emergency, they must treat you until you are stable.
Safe Transfer
If they move you to another hospital, they must keep you safe during the move.
What Is an Emergency?
An emergency is when you have serious symptoms that could hurt your health if you do not get help right away.
Examples:
- • Heart attack or chest pain
- • Trouble breathing
- • Heavy bleeding
- • Broken bones
- • Having a baby
- • Very bad pain
More Examples:
- • Passing out
- • Bad stomach pain
- • High fever
- • Bad headache
- • Allergic reactions
- • Drug overdose
Privacy Protection
This law keeps your medical information private. Doctors and hospitals cannot share your health information without your permission.
What Information Is Protected:
- Your medical records
- What the doctor says about you
- Your health insurance information
- Your test results
- Your medicine information
- Your billing information
Your Rights:
See Your Records
- • You can see your medical records
- • You can get copies
- • You can ask for changes
Control Your Info
- • You decide who can see your records
- • You can say no to sharing
- • You can ask for privacy
Important: Immigration Protection
Hospitals and doctors cannot share your information with immigration officers without your permission or a court order. Your health information is private and protected.
Fair Treatment Law
This law says you have the right to fair treatment at the doctor or hospital. No one can treat you badly because of who you are.
You Cannot Be Treated Badly Because Of:
Your Race or Where You Are From
- • Your skin color
- • Your country
- • Your language
Your Disability
- • Physical disabilities
- • Mental health conditions
- • Learning differences
Your Sex
- • Being male or female
- • Being pregnant
- • Your gender identity
Your Age
- • Being young
- • Being old
- • Any age
Language Help:
If you do not speak English well, the hospital or doctor must help you understand.
They Must Give You:
- • A person who can translate for you
- • Important papers in your language
- • Help understanding your care
This Help Is:
- • Free - you do not pay
- • Available when you need it
- • Your right by law
Common Myths About Healthcare
Many people believe things that are not true. Here are the facts:
MYTH: "People without papers cannot get any healthcare"
THE TRUTH:
All hospitals must help you if you have an emergency. It does not matter where you are from or if you have papers. Emergency Medicaid can also help pay for emergency care in many states.
MYTH: "Going to the doctor will get me deported"
THE TRUTH:
Your health information is private. Doctors and hospitals cannot share your information with immigration officers. Hospitals and clinics are safe places where immigration officers usually do not go.
MYTH: "I must pay money before the hospital will help me"
THE TRUTH:
If you have an emergency, the hospital must help you right away. They cannot make you wait to talk about money. They must check you and help you get better first. You can talk about payment later.
Know Your Enforcement Rights
If you were denied emergency care or experienced an EMTALA violation:
- • Contact your state's Department of Health
- • File a complaint with CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
- • Contact the hospital's patient advocate
- • Seek legal assistance from medical-legal partnerships
If your medical privacy was violated:
- • File a complaint with HHS Office for Civil Rights
- • Contact the healthcare provider's privacy officer
- • Document the violation with dates and details
- • Seek legal counsel if necessary