When people think of West Virginia, many imagine a quiet countryside with lots of mountains.

I also initially thought, "If I get seriously ill here, where on earth will I go?" Koreans are used to the large university hospitals in Seoul. However, living in Morgantown, I find that at least I worry less about hospitals than I expected. In fact, the healthcare infrastructure is a significant advantage of this city.

At the center is the J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital of WVU Medicine. This large university hospital has about 880 beds and serves as the hub for education and research at the WVU School of Medicine. It provides specialized treatments for conditions that require care at a large hospital, which is why patients from other parts of West Virginia come to Morgantown.

In 2022, the WVU Medicine Children's Hospital opened with over 150 beds, making it more reassuring for families with children. Korean parents often find it hard to focus on anything else when their child suddenly falls ill at night. The mere presence of a large pediatric hospital nearby is a significant advantage.

Another option is Mon Health Medical Center. This general hospital has about 190 beds and operates separately from WVU Medicine. It offers a wide range of general hospital services, including emergency care, internal medicine, surgery, and obstetrics. Unlike a city with only one large hospital, having choices is another benefit of Morgantown.

Additionally, there is Select Specialty Hospital Morgantown. Some patients cannot go home immediately after urgent care at a general hospital. This long-term acute care hospital specializes in patients who need ongoing treatment, such as respiratory management or wound care, after intensive care.

So, one should not judge the level of healthcare in Morgantown solely based on the size of the city. With the WVU School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Pharmacy, and public health programs, the roles are divided among a large university hospital, regional general hospitals, and long-term care facilities. It's not surprising to call it the healthcare hub of West Virginia.

However, there is one thing that Koreans must understand. Just because the hospitals are good does not mean that medical costs are low.

In the U.S., visiting a local doctor for a cold is a completely different financial story than walking into an emergency room. Without insurance, a general consultation can cost over $100 to $300, and urgent care can run into the hundreds if tests or treatments are added.

Even basic tests in the emergency room can lead to bills in the thousands, and if CT scans, MRIs, hospitalizations, or surgeries are involved, it's not unusual for costs to reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Having insurance doesn't mean it's the end of the story. If the deductible is $2,000, I have to pay a certain amount out of pocket first, and then copays or coinsurance may apply. This is why people coming from Korea are often shocked when they first receive a bill from a U.S. hospital, thinking, "Wait, I just saw the doctor for a moment, and this is what I owe?"

While Morgantown has a lower cost of living and housing prices compared to major U.S. cities, medical expenses operate within the U.S. healthcare system. Therefore, when moving here, it's important not only to know the nearest hospitals but also to check if Ruby Memorial and Mon Health are in-network with my insurance. It's also a good idea to have a nearby urgent care facility in mind.

Ultimately, the advantage of Morgantown is not that medical costs are cheap, but that high-quality healthcare is available nearby when needed.

While having affordable housing and beautiful mountains is important, there will inevitably be times when one needs to visit a hospital. The fact that there is a large university hospital nearby, without having to drive for hours to another major city, becomes a significant asset as one ages.