When moving jobs while living in the U.S., if your health insurance lapses temporarily, it can be daunting to visit a hospital even if you're feeling unwell.

For those living in Houston, a place worth knowing in such situations is the Harris Health System and Ben Taub Hospital.

At first, I thought that being a public hospital meant it would have outdated facilities or lower quality care.

However, upon researching, I found that it plays a central role in public healthcare in Houston and is actually one of the top hospitals in Texas for emergency medical services.

Ben Taub Hospital, which opened in 1963, is located within the Texas Medical Center. It is designated as a Level I Trauma Center, the highest level in the U.S., making it one of the hospitals that receives the most patients from traffic accidents, gunshot wounds, and severe trauma.

The emergency room operates 24 hours a day and is equipped with a system to quickly treat urgent patients.

Another notable aspect is that it is an educational hospital that collaborates closely with Baylor College of Medicine.

Because medical school professors and specialists conduct both treatment and education, the quality of care is highly regarded. They offer a wide range of medical services, including emergency medicine, internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, mental health, and pediatrics, allowing local residents to access comprehensive healthcare services.

Ben Taub Hospital is not the only facility in operation. The Harris Health System also runs Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital and various community clinics throughout Houston. Patients can receive care at nearby clinics and, if necessary, be referred to larger hospitals, ensuring good access to healthcare.

Many Korean residents are likely most concerned about costs. Given the high hospital bills in the U.S., many worry about the very act of going to a hospital. As a public healthcare institution, Harris Health System operates a Sliding Scale Fee program that adjusts medical fees based on income for residents without insurance or with low income. This system helps ensure that economic reasons do not prevent individuals from receiving treatment.

Another positive aspect is that multilingual interpretation services, including Korean, are available. Many people struggle to receive care in U.S. hospitals due to language barriers, and just knowing that interpretation support is available can significantly reduce psychological stress.

Of course, being a public hospital has its downsides. Outpatient appointments may take longer than at private hospitals, and for popular specialties, you might have to wait several months. However, in emergencies, treatment can be received regardless of insurance status, and information about medical bill assistance programs can also be provided afterward.

Houston is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. With a diverse population of various races and immigrants, the role of a public healthcare system that ensures everyone can access at least basic medical services is very important. The Harris Health System serves as a crucial safety net in this regard.

If you are preparing to move to Houston or currently find yourself without health insurance, it would be beneficial to familiarize yourself with the Harris Health System and Ben Taub Hospital.

While it's best not to get sick, just knowing about local public hospital information can be a great help in case of unforeseen circumstances.