Questions About COVID-19 Testing Costs or EOBs

Were you tested, or plan to be tested at Cabot Emergency Hospital (CEH), but have questions about associated costs, or an Explanation of Benefits (EOB)? We’re here to help!

Cabot Emergency Hospital accepts all commercial insurance plans for COVID-19 testing per the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) enacted 3/18/2020, and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted 3/27/2020. Two important things to know:

1) An EOB from your insurance company is NOT a bill from Cabot Emergency Hospital.

2) Cabot Emergency Hospital does NOT balance bill. This means you will not be responsible for the difference between the total cost of services being charged and the amount your insurance pays.

Under the FFCRA, plans and issuers must provide coverage for testing without imposing any cost-sharing requirements (this includes deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance) or prior authorization or other medical management requirements.

This mandate was further expanded under the CARES Act. Unfortunately, we are unable to bill Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE for testing at this time. As always, we encourage those with specific concerns to contact their insurance company prior to testing.

An outpatient order for testing is always preferred – this expedites the testing process, and prevents an emergency room (ER) charge from being billed to your insurance. Results will be sent to your Primary Care Physician (PCP). Those presenting to CEH without an order for testing will have an emergency room (ER) visit charged to their insurance so that the attending ER physician can evaluate the patient, write an order for testing, and treat as needed.

For specific concerns or inquiries please call our Patient Advocate @ (713) 357-2535 – or call our local administrative team at (501) 333-9110.