HCRA

DESOTO COUNTY
COMMUNITY SERVICES

201 E. OAK ST.
SUITE 202
ARCADIA, FLORIDA 34266

(863) 993-4858 OFFICE   (863) 993-4857 FAX

1. HEALTH CARE RESPONSIBITY ACT (HCRA)

Provides financial assistance with emergency inpatient or outpatient hospital services that are necessary to prevent loss of life, irreparable physical damage or loss or serious impairment of a body function and:

a. The emergency arose from an accident or illness;

b. The health of the individual would be endangered if he/she undertook travel to return their county of residence.

The Act provides assistance with hospital bills to qualified indigent individuals for services received at "participating out-of-county hospitals". Reimbursement is limited to a maximum of 45 days of impatient services and $1,000 of emergency outpatient services (at the Medicaid rate) per eligible recipient per calendar year.

HOW TO APPLY: The patient must check in at an out-of-county participating hospital emergency room and require emergency medical care. The hospital will attempt to obtain care coverage from all known sources. If none, the patient will complete a HCRA Application at the hospital. That will be sent to Community Services to determine eligibility based on income, assets, and family size. The patient, or representative, will be asked to come in with necessary documentation to determine elgibility. If qualified, the hospital will be notified to send the bill to the County for payment.

b. The health of the individual would be endangered if he/she undertook travel to return their county of residence.

The Act provides assistance with hospital bills to qualified indigent individuals for services received at "participating out-of-county hospitals". Reimbursement is limited to a maximum of 45 days of impatient services and $1,000 of emergency outpatient services (at the Medicaid rate) per eligible recipient per calendar year.

HOW TO APPLY: The patient must check in at an out-of-county participating hospital emergency room and require emergency medical care. The hospital will attempt to obtain care coverage from all known sources. If none, the patient will complete a HCRA Application at the hospital. That will be sent to Community Services to determine eligibility based on income, assets, and family size. The patient, or representative, will be asked to come in with necessary documentation to determine elgibility. If qualified, the hospital will be notified to send the bill to the County for payment.