buttrfli, I guess that I am naive. I was under the impression that an ER has to treat patients with acute symptoms. And it seems that they do have to treat them, but they can still bill the patient.

Emergency room care: Know your rights

Maybe you could get some help at one of those minute clinics, like at a CVS? It would still cost money but it would be a lot less.

I'm really sorry to have been unhelpful. I hope U of I and insurance come through for you. Maybe call U of I to see what is up?

(((((buttrfli)))))