Alternative Headline: Goliad adopts EMS charity policy
[MM Curator Summary]: Goliad County approved a charity ambulance care policy and partnered with Emergicon to maximize Medicaid reimbursements while protecting emergency access for uninsured patients.
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The Goliad County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a new charity care policy for ambulance services on Aug. 11, along with an agreement amendment with Emergicon, LLC, aimed at helping the county recover funds for uninsured patient care through the Texas Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program.
The policy allows Goliad County EMS to waive ambulance transport fees for patients who are unable to pay due to circumstances beyond their control. Patients with private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or the ability to pay are not eligible for charity care under the policy.
As part of the plan, Goliad County EMS will work with Emergicon to handle ambulance billing, Medicaid and charity care reimbursements, and reporting requirements for the state-administered program. Emergicon will analyze billing data, prepare state and federal cost reports, and act as a liaison with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to help the county maximize reimbursements.
Under the agreement, Emergicon will also help the county qualify for the Medicaid Average Commercial Rate Supplemental Payment Program, which could increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for ambulance services.
The county will pay Emergicon a contingency fee based on the amount of new Medicaid and uninsured care revenue generated, ranging from 6% for more than $2 million in annual claims to 15% for less than $500,000.
Goliad County EMS Director Holli Gregory told the court the initiative is designed to ensure that uninsured and underinsured residents continue to have access to emergency transport while helping offset the cost burden on county taxpayers.
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