What an ER visit in Chicago taught me about US health insurance

I told my employer and filled out an incident report (late, which caused some confusion). The claim was eventually accepted, and the bills were transferred to the workers' compensation insurer. It took six weeks and many phone calls, but I paid nothing in the end.

What I learned

• Report workplace injuries immediately, in writing, to your employer. Ask for the workers' compensation information.
• Understand your plan. Know your deductible, your out-of-pocket maximum and whether hospitals and doctors near you are in network.
• Urgent care clinics are much cheaper than the ER for non-life-threatening injuries. My cut probably could have been treated at an urgent care, which would have cost a fraction.
• Check every bill. I found a charge for a medication I did not receive.
• Ask for an itemised bill and ask about financial assistance. Nonprofit hospitals must have financial assistance programmes.

Compared with Mexico

In Guadalajara, I had IMSS (public social security) through work and also used private clinics. A similar visit at a private clinic would have cost the equivalent of 100 to 150 dollars. The public system is slower and sometimes crowded, but I never feared a bill like this.

Honest opinion

The medical care in the US is very good. But the insurance system is confusing and stressful, even when you have a job with benefits. Many of my coworkers avoid going to the doctor because they are scared of the costs. That is not healthy.

If you are moving to the US, spend real time understanding your health insurance before you need it. It could save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.