hi jason, fyi: all doctors offices and hospitals have gov't forms known as UCC (uncompensated care forms) for folks who have no insurance. Call the doctor's billing office before the scheduled appt. & request a form. You will have to provide proof of residency, a recent W2, proof of assets, and whatever else as it varies in each state. Then based upon your income you'd be responsible for either a portion or none of the bill. It is good for an entire year and if you still have no insurance, just call and ask to reapply. As for the hospital bill, just go to the business/billing/cashier's office and ask for the form as soon as you can. You can even ask for help to fill out the form if you have problems. The same thing applies. Based upon your income, you'd be liable for either a small portion, 1/2, all, or none of the bill and it's good for an entire year. It includes inpatient, ER, and all testings (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, blood work).
I use to do billing for a local hospital where I live (in NY state) so I know about this sort of thing. All hospitals in the USA have this program where a certain amount of funds is set aside for folks who have no insurance and have to apply for some sort of help. Then their claim is reviewed & payment is decided based upon their income. If they don't qualify they can ask if the hospital has a charity care program (most religious hospitals like Catholic, Baptists, Lutheran for example) have these programs. You just have to ask.
Hope this helps. I'd get your son in to see an MD as soon as possible and ask about the forms. It doesn't hurt to ask. The worse they can say is no. If they do in the MD's office, you can set up a payment plan which is easy because you pay monthly what you can afford (even if it's $2.00/month)AND there is no interest added to the bill unlike a credit card which is.
Take care. ~GW