The federal EMTALA law prohibits hospitals from charging for ER care if one’s life is in danger. One cannot be denied treatment simply due to inability to pay.
The are NOT prohibited from charging for E care. Only from denying care based on ability to pay.
And non emergency care isn’t covered. They can screen and turn them away, but the don’t because they can bill medicaid emergency rates for an ear exam, baby tylenol and amoxycillin.
Or, you have the flu, drink gaterade, take ibuprofen and sleep a lot... next!