What should I do in this case?

[Tom Chain]

It’s scary that a $21K ER bill can hinge on simple wording like "knee pain." What protections are in place? Should I worry about policy details, pre-authorizations, and appeal deadlines to ensure I'm protected in an emergency?

[Kaile]

It’s totally understandable to feel concerned about this. But the good news is that federal law has your back.

Insurance companies must cover emergency room visits based on your symptoms, not only on the final diagnosis by doctors. Just be sure to keep a record of everything and file an appeal within 180 days if your claim gets denied. You’ve got this.