Toward the end of the year, we know health insurance questions can get a little overwhelming. Have we met our deductible? What plan do we choose for next year? What will it cost?!
We thought we’d offer a little guidance on how to understand your health insurance benefits when it comes to an emergency. Here are some of the questions we hear most often:
- What if I have NO coverage?
In an emergency, we won’t turn you away. Whether you have insurance or not, Texas Emergency Care Center will provide care when an emergency happens. Insurance companies must treat all emergency visits the same, regardless if you visit an in-network facility or an out-of-network facility. Your emergency visit at Texas Emergency Care Center is to be paid based on your in-network benefits, regardless of our relationship with your insurance company. This safeguards you so you are not searching for an in-network provider when you need care now. Still curious? You can read about Insurance code law here. - Isn’t it more expensive to go to a free-standing ER?
The cost of your visit depends on many factors. We offer the same level of service, treatment and care as a hospital ER, BUT you wont find the same long wait times and overcrowded spaces. In most circumstances, the cost of going to a free-standing ER is not more expensive than visiting a hospital-based emergency room. - Deductible? CoInsurance? Copay? What does this all even mean?
Healthcare lingo can feel like another language. We promise, nobody is trying to make you feel like you’re in a foreign country! We’ve broken down some of the most commonly used terms here. - What if i’m in the area from out of town?
Insurance plans can’t make you pay more in copayments or coinsurance if you get emergency care from an out-of-network hospital. They also can’t require you to get prior approval before getting emergency room services from a provider or hospital outside your plan’s network. If you need medical care, come see us! We’ll get you the help you need even if you’re far from home.
Don’t let cost or confusion keep you from getting the care you need. We are here to help! Emergencies don’t care if you’re ready or not… that’s why we are.