[jdavis703]

> The employees Business Insider spoke with said they would be covered retroactively only once the paperwork was finalized, which left them on the hook to pay upfront fees.

This seems like many responses on HN are over reacting. Employees are not on the hook for previously insured medical expenses.

Almost all medical offices are happy to work with patients if the situation is explained before hand. For example my HMO has printed signs at every intake counter reading “Can’t pay? Call this number to discuss payment options.”

This situation sucks, but it’s really not much different from forgetting your insurance number and needing the front desk to front you the copay or deductible.