Insurance Billing Question

Hello, I went to the ER after a routine eye check-up (told by an optometrist). At this time, I had just started my job and was in the probation period for my health insurance, meaning I didn't have coverage. I was billed 20,000 by UCSD Health and I cannot afford it. but Im wondering if there's anyway that my health insurance can help pay for this bill since technically I was with the employer when the ER visit happened? Im not well versed with insurance, I make min wage and I honestly cannot afford this bill, so I'll take any advice I can get to help pay this off :(. Should I call insurance and ask? Should I call the hospital and ask? Someone mentioned since i didn't have health insurance that i could qualify for charity care or something like that, how does that work? Pls help lol, I am very confused :(((( btw, it was psedotumor cerebri and I had to get a spinal tap and MRI. Majority of the bill was actually the MRI $18,000.

submitted by /u/Legitimate_Law7110
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