Navigating the healthcare system is confusing. Knowing your rights makes it easier.
Your Rights as a Patient
Regardless of your insurance status, citizenship, or ability to pay, you have rights:
- The Right to Emergency Care
Hospitals must provide emergency treatment regardless of your ability to pay. You cannot be turned away from an emergency room.
- The Right to Understand Your Care
Providers must explain your diagnosis, treatment options, and medications in language you understand. If you don’t speak English, you have the right to a free interpreter.
- The Right to Privacy
Your medical information is confidential. Providers can’t share it without your permission (except in specific legal situations).
- The Right to Make Decisions
You have the right to refuse treatment, get a second opinion, and participate in decisions about your care.
- The Right to Non-Discrimination
Providers cannot refuse care based on race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Where to Get Care Without Insurance
Community Health Centers:
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide primary care on a sliding scale based on income. Many patients pay $20-40 per visit. Find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Free Clinics:
Miami has several free clinics serving uninsured individuals. Call 211 for locations.
County Health Department:
Miami-Dade Health Department offers STI testing, immunizations, family planning, and other services at low or no cost.
Hospital Financial Assistance:
Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance (charity care) to low-income patients. Ask about it before you pay a bill.
Prescription Assistance:
Most pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs for people who can’t afford medications. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you apply.
If You’re Undocumented
Undocumented immigrants can:
- Receive emergency medical care
- Access community health centers
- Get prenatal care through Emergency Medicaid
- Enroll children in Medicaid or CHIP if they meet requirements
When Things Go Wrong
If you’re denied care inappropriately, billed incorrectly, or treated disrespectfully, you can:
- File a complaint with the clinic or hospital’s patient advocate
- Contact Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (1-888-419-3456)
- Reach out to Five Health for navigation support
You deserve healthcare. Know your rights and use them.
Download our Healthcare Rights Guide at 5-health.com/resources
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