I need medical bills advice?

So I checked into the ER about 8 months ago. I had no insurance. I signed up for Medi-Cal (California medical aid). The lady told me she also gave me a form where Medi-Cal would do a one time payment on the ER visit.

I didn’t receive any letters after getting approved for Medi-Cal. I assumed they paid it the bill. Months later, today I get a collections letter.

What will happen to me? It’s $1300 and I have virtually no money left in my budget as it is! I’m about 2 years away from finishing college, and still working part time in restaurant. Frankly, I’m swamped and overwhelmed by I try to maintain a positive attitude.

Should I just quit school and look for a full time job? What sort of full time work could I get into?

I really am having trouble liking the U.S. health system right about now

Ugh, how do they expect us to contribute to society if we can’t even check our health when we think we need to be checked the most?

Or maybe that is me contributing to society? By insuring the fact that these doctors will still be getting paid really well by poor people like me, while they go out purchase their 6 figure sports cars and finally start dating around in their late 30s being on top of the world making good money.

I didn’t want to go to the hospital, but I had too. America… home of the slaves.

What is the next step for me?