https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Medical_Treatment_an...
And generally, if you have nothing, the government will pay for you. However, quality and quantity of healthcare will likely not be as high.
The rough spot is in the middle when you have some assets, but not enough for a secure life, but do not have insurance, then you will have to forfeit your assets in order for the government aid to kick in, and then you are poor.
Is this the source of significant delay in diagnosis? Does it increase or decrease overall costs of treatment? Does it meaningfully alter expected prognosis of the middle income US patients etc
By law, annual out of of pocket expenses are capped:
https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/out-of-pocket-maximum-li...
However, based on the median income in the US, many Americans would have to think twice about scheduling a doctor’s appointment and being on the hook for an unexpected hundreds or thousands of dollars.
It is all a form of rationing healthcare, so having people think twice about going to the doctor at the expense of some people’s health is part of the system.
Which is where a lot of elderly people who need long term care end up.