Emergency Room Sticker Shock

[robby]

My issue with emergency medical sticker shock was with ambulance fees and balance billing, which I recounted here:

What are "Adjustments" to my medical bill?

Yes, it’s called “balance billing” and is prohibited in some circumstance, but allowed in others. It is generally allowed if you seek non-emergency care at an out of network facility. Your insurance may cover some of that cost, and you will be responsible for the rest. If you go to an in-network facility, but receive out-of-network care; or in the event of an emergency, you cannot be billed for the balance. Your insurance will pay the contracted rate (at an in-network place) or a “reasonable …

Fortunately my insurance covered the out-of-state ER itself, and there was no balance billing there even though they were out of network.