My mom is on tourist visa and doesnt have citizenship. Could she still be seen by military emergency department if she happens to get sick?

2022-11-30T19:55:18-05:00

My mom had some major health issue in the past in which has been improved and significantly better for her to do daily activities. She is visiting my duty station, JBLM Washington, during my winter block leave and it is my first time seeing her in 4 years. But I worry if she happens to get sick (she isnt someone strong enough with cold or snow), would she be admitted as a patient if I bring her to army ED (Emergency Department) to get seen?
Thank you for your time!

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Nov 30 at 2022 8:00 PM

2022-11-30T20:00:28-05:00

I hope your mom does not have any health issues!

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 30 at 2022 8:48 PM

2022-11-30T20:48:57-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, you're really asking two questions.

1) Will my mom be seen at the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) ED if she has a medical issue?
2) What, if anything, will my mom be charged for being seen there?

The answer to your first is yes. Anyone that walks though the doors of an ED will be seen by a doctor and evaluated. If necessary (they are having medical issues which are possibly life threating, etc.) they would be admitted to the hospital. However, if her issues are not "Emergency" type of issues, then she will be discharged.

The answer to your second is 'it depends'. From your question, it doesn't seem as if your mother is an adult dependent of yours or (more importantly) entered into DEERS as one of your dependents.

This means that she will be billed* for the visit. Assuming she has health insurance, it will be billed to her health insurance which would reimburse the charges based on her policy.

I would talk to your mother's insurance provider (and possibly your MTF) ahead of time to see what would be covered or not.
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* Military Treatment Facilities are required by federal law to bill for any care provided to civilians without military benefits.

If the patient has insurance and the MTF has that information on file, they file a claim with their carrier. Once a bill is generated, the MTF has 120 days to work with the insurance company to help facilitate a payment, whether it’s payment in full or payment less a deductible or copay.

Patients are billed if an insurance company denies a claim and all appeals, if there is a balance remaining after insurance payment, or if a patient’s insurance information is not on file. In the absence of payment, as a federal healthcare facility, the MTF is required by law to transfer the remaining balance to the U.S. Department of Treasury for collections.

Military Treatment Facilities are not authorized to waive, reduce, suspend or terminate debt.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2022 1:35 AM

2022-12-01T01:35:14-05:00

Nobody other than military personnel and dependents are eligible to be seen at military hospitals. Lacey and Tacoma have a number of Urgent Care and ER departments available for civilians

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 2 at 2022 1:20 AM

2022-12-02T01:20:56-05:00

Just remember, if you go into a civilian emergency room(not a private), they can not turn you down. Must treat you. Yes, you may pay for drugs. Also travel insurance is not that expensive to purchase, I know I do all the time. If she has problems it would be advisable to get it.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 2 at 2022 10:43 AM

2022-12-02T10:43:40-05:00

The military ER will see her to address a life threatening emergency situation Once stabilized they would probably move her to a civilian hospital Many unknowns here. If your Mom has health insurance that covers her when she’s out of her country, then care in civilian US hospital will be easier to deal with. She can buy short-term health insurance for the trip to US if she isn’t otherwise covered.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Feb 12 at 2023 12:13 PM

2023-02-12T12:13:57-05:00

Every ED must, by law, treat someone if it is a life threatening emergency. They are required to stabilize them and then discharge them. They are NOT required to treat them beyond that. If they are brought to a Military ED, same laws apply. They will also be billed and it's that person's responsibility to pay &/or submit to their own Health Insurance for reimbursement or payment.
If the person is in the military OR documented as a military dependent in DEERS, they can/will be admitted and treated until they make as close to a full recovery as possible.

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2024-10-08T08:34:53-04:00

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