Getting Emergency Care
In an emergency, you should get care from the closest hospital that can help you. That hospital will treat you regardless of whether you have insurance. Your insurance company can’t charge you more for getting emergency room services at an “out-of-network” hospital.
I’m having an emergency. Should I go straight to the hospital or do I need to
call my insurer first?
In a true emergency, go straight to the hospital. Insurers can’t require you to get prior approval before getting emergency room services from a provider or hospital outside your plan’s network.
What does it mean that insurance companies can’t charge me more?
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.
Will I have to pay anything?
This depends on the plan that you chose and the hospital you go to. This care may be subject to a deductible, for example, or a hospital may have particular rules in place.
What if you think you signed up for a health plan through the Marketplace,but haven’t received your insurance card?
Even though you haven’t received your insurance card, your coverage may be efective. Call your insurer, or have the emergency room do so, to confirm that your coverage is effective. To learn more about ensuring you are covered, read “I signed up, but don’t have coverage.”
If you have additional questions, call 1-800-318-2596. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325.
For More Information visit: http://marketplace.cms.gov/getofficialresources/publications-and-articles/getting-emergency-care.pdf