Beaumont waives some costs for unpaid federal workers

Beaumont Health is sensitive to the needs of the more than 5,000 Michigan-based federal workers affected by the partial government shutdown. Many are not receiving paychecks.

Therefore, retroactive to midnight, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, Beaumont Health will waive emergency center and urgent care center copays and deductibles for federal workers who have been furloughed or are working without pay. This will also apply to their insured family members during the partial shutdown. This will remain in effect until the government reopens.

While federal employees are insured and will receive back pay once the shutdown ends, out-of-pocket health care costs add to the financial burdens they now face.

"Our Mission to provide compassionate, extraordinary care every day leads us to try to take steps to help our patients and families during times of need and unique circumstances over which they have no control," Beaumont Health CEO John Fox said. "We hope this will provide some peace of mind to those who are facing hard choices until government jobs reopen and pay is restored."

Government workers and their insured family members will be flagged during the registration process at Beaumont Health facilities to ensure the fees are waived.

Federal employees who previously received emergency or urgent care dating back to midnight, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, can contact Beaumont at 248-577-9443 to adjust their bill.