How do you obtain health insurance, for someone who is already in the hospital?

Hello,

My friend is already in the hospital. He was in a car accident. He does not have insurance, but I am trying to provide some kind of coverage for him. Most health insurance companies will not cover someone who is already in the hospital. And he does not qualify for Medi-Cal. So are there any other options available out there, so that he can get the surgery he needs?

You go to an agent to get some quotes, but it won't cover THIS accident!!

If he was in a car accident, he needs to put a claim in under his auto policy for medical costs, or the auto policy of the person who's car he was riding in.

Otherwise, he's going to have to sue the person at fault for the accident, but that can take years.

Since the accident has already occurred, unfortunately, your friend propbably won't be covered. The car accident is considered a pre-exisiting condition and health insurance companies will not cover pre-exisitnig conditions if you have not had coverage within the past 63 days. You might want to check with the billing department at the hospital and make payment arrangements.

If he was in a car accident and the hospitalization is a direct result of the accident, the car insurance should be picking up the tab.

I'm with ms- if he won't qualify for Medicaid/Medi-Cal, then he's SOL for regular insurance. Best bet is to throw himself on the mercy of the hospital- most have income guidelines, sliding scale fees and other programs to help cover bills of unisured patients- and many have financial counselors that can work with him to find the best solutions. Check around with the physician too- there will be seperate bills for hospital care and physician services. Often in hardship cases, the physicians may decide not to charge for their portion- but you have to ask. They may also be able to (or there may be a social worker available) who can refer him to low-cost or no-cost healthcare providers in the area for his follow up care.

Bottom line- ask everyone, don't be shy- there is bound to be some way to minimize the bills if you're willing to do some research.

Best of luck to both of you!