Medicare Coverage Ends at Freestanding Emergency Centers

The Public Health Emergency (PHE) ends May 11, 2023. When the PHE expires, state licensed Freestanding Emergency Centers (FECs) will no longer be able to participate in Medicare unless the federal government passes legislation to make this benefit permanent. This is a significant change for Medicare patients. For the past three years, Medicare covered emergency treatment provided at Complete Care and other FECs.

Medicare Coverage Ends at Freestanding Emergency Centers

ACTION NEEDED

Complete Care, The Emergency Clinic and Star ER, wants to permanently extend Medicare benefits to include FECs. Our seniors deserve equal access to high-quality emergency care. The Emergency Care Improvement Act (HR 1694) is bipartisan legislation that will update the existing statute and allow Medicare beneficiaries to keep their coverage. This bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives on March 22, 2023.

When policy issues are being considered, legislators like to hear from their constituents. If you, a family member, or a friend have Medicare, we urge you to contact your US House Representative and ask them to support the Emergency Care Improvement Act (HR 1694). Hearing from voters helps lawmakers understand what issues are relevant to constituents. This is an opportunity for you to help shape policy decisions and share what is important with your legislator.

Whether you decide to call, email, or write your representative, here are a few things to keep top of mind:

  1. Include your name, tell them you are a constituent in their district, and reference the legislation you support – Emergency Care Improvement Act (HR 1694).
  2. State whether you, a family member, or a friend is a Medicare recipient.
  3. Share positive experiences related to Complete Care and explain why it is important for Medicare beneficiaries to have equal access to emergency care.
  4. Ask your representative to support this legislation and make Medicare benefits permanent at FECs.

If you are unsure of your US House Representative, you may use this link www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

Please make your voice heard and be an advocate for this significant healthcare policy initiative!

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