The Law – “Observation Status While in the Hospital”

Observation Status has a major impact on MEDICARE beneficiaries, and others as well, yet most people don’t even know about it – at least not until they get a SURPRISE BILL!

If you or a loved one has Medicare, please read this article at this link thru to the end!

CONNECTICUT’S LAW REQUIRES:

1. A statement that the patient is not admitted to the hospital but is under observation status;

2. A statement that observation status may affect the patient’s Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance coverage for hospital services, including medications and pharmaceutical supplies, or home or community-based care, or care at a skilled nursing facility upon the patient’s discharge; and

3. A recommendation that the patient contact his or her health insurance provider or the Office of the Healthcare Advocate to better understand the implications of placement in observation status.

Important links:

To read a copy of CT Public Act No. 14-180 “An Act Concerning Notice of a Patient’s Observation Status” you can click on

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2014/ACT/PA/2014PA-00180-R00HB-05535-PA.htm

To read more about the “Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON)” you can click on:

CMS Issues Instructions Regarding the Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON)