OUR MISSION
MEDICARE COVERAGE UPDATE FOR EMERGENCY CENTERS
WE BELIEVE IN BILLING TRANSPARENCY
The government declared that the Public Health Emergency would be discontinued as of May 11, 2023.
This means that our emergency services will no longer be covered by Medicare. The PHE authorized private emergency facilities to treat Medicare beneficiaries due to the high demand for emergency treatment during the CONIVD-19 pandemic so Medicare recipients could visit any emergency care center for treatment. Now that the PHE is being discontinued, those with Medicare have fewer options when it comes to seeking affordable emergency care.
However, this will not stop us from providing every Texan with the high-quality care they deserve. We are grateful to have cared for all of our patients with the help of Medicare.
To minimize the disruption to those affected by this government decision, we’re taking a few actions to keep our emergency services affordable.
WHAT WE’RE DOING TO ACCOMMODATE THOSE AFFECTED
We will carry on with our services and provide affordable emergency care for our Medicare population by:
- Working to provide discounted pricing options to Medicare beneficiaries
- Still accepting Medicare from specific locations in our network, such as Altus Lumberton Hospital
- Welcoming private insurance plans
- Petitioning lawmakers to reinstate Medicare coverage for all of our emergency center locations
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) ensures your safety by mandating that you receive a health screening when specifically requested, as well ensuring that everyone will receive emergency care when having a medical emergency.
The law guarantees our emergency centers cover and treat all true emergencies. Our emergency centers will process and file a claim with all major insurance companies on your behalf.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
The Emergency Care Improvement Act (H.R. 1694) is a bipartisan legislation that would update the existing statute and allow Medicare beneficiaries to keep their coverage.
If you or a loved one is affected by this decision, we invite you to call, email, or mail your US Representative and ask for their support on this legislation. hearing from constituents helps lawmakers understand what issues are important to voters, so this is an opportunity for you to help shape decision regarding policy.
When contacting your state representative, please keep the following in mind:
- Include your name, let you representative know you’re a constituent in their district, and reference the legislation – the Emergency Care Improvement Act (H.R. 1694).
- State whether you are a family memeber, friend, or Medicare beneficiary.
- Share positive experiences related to your local Emergency Center and explain why it’s important for Medicare beneficiaries to have equal access to emergency care.
- Ask your representative to support this legislation, to make Medicare benefits permanent at all freestanding Emergency Centers.
If you have any questions, please contact info@AltusEmergency.com.