Yea, I believe it. I was in the hospital for about 36 hours doing some tests for chest pain. The bill was over $9000 nad they didn’t do much of nothing.
Nothing except create, maintain and fund a 24/7/365 capability to diagnose and intervene in case you were having a heart attack, thereby limiting or preventing heart damage and perhaps saving your life.
Do you have any idea how much having that capability an ambulance ride away from your home at all hours of the day or night COSTS?
Who do you think should pay for it?
Call the medical social worker at the attending hospital. If he is covered under your socialised medical in your country the first attempt will be to secure a chargeback against it. Failing that you have other options. There is one-time adult Medicaid, under EMTALA there should be rights for him, especially since you said he had a valid visa, right? Call the social worker. Hopefully they know the ins and outs. If that doesn’t work call DHS and if that fails the consulat. They will be able to get you the information you need to take care of the bill.