She Needed an EpiPen. But First, an Urgent Care Asked Her To Pay.

An uninsured woman sought help at a Virginia urgent care center after being stung by a wasp. She said she was stunned when the center asked her to pay before giving her a shot to reverse her allergic reaction.

By: Phil Galewitz

Outlets: KFF Health News

Published: October 29, 2026

Words: 1,331

Last Updated: 1 week ago

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Stephanie Rowell was standing on her parents’ front porch in July when a wasp stung her left arm.

She said that almost immediately her arm felt like it was “on fire,” her body started itching all over, and her face became swollen and red.

Rowell, 53, took Benadryl, and her father started driving her to the nearest emergency room, about 25 minutes away. But after driving for 10 minutes they spotted a TruHealthNow urgent care …

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