Idaho Falls Consolidated Hospitals v‪.‬

On May 9, 1979, Juan Jose Ortiz and Leobardo Ortis Ramos were involved in an automobile accident. The respondent, Idaho Falls Consolidated Hospitals, Inc., provided medical services costing $4,175.16. At the time of the accident both parties maintained a residence in Bingham County but were indigent and unable to pay for the medical expenses. The hospital filed applications on behalf of the patients with the appellant, Bingham County Board of County Commissioners, seeking payment for medical services under the Idaho Medical Indigency Act.[Footnote 1] The Board denied the hospital's application on the basis that the two indigents were illegal aliens.