By: Alexandra Hart
May 7, 2018
HPPR.org
Whenever there’s a medical emergency the very first thing on one’s mind – especially if they’re insured – isn’t typically how much the bill could be. It’s to get help as quickly as possible, then deal with the cost later.
But new rules from insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas may have some policyholders second guessing whether a trip to the ER is worth it. Blue Cross recently announced a policy – to go into effect in June – that would have patients with HMO plans pay 100 percent of the bill if they go to an out-of-network ER for issues deemed non-emergencies. About 500,000 Texans are covered under Blue Cross HMO plans.