Bergen Hospitals Waiving Co-Pays, Deductibles For Federal Workers

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Furloughed federal employees who visit the emergency rooms at Hackensack University Medical Center or the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital will have their co-pays and deductibles waived, Hackensack Meridian Health announced Thursday.

"We have seen the financial impact the federal government shut down has had on many families, and we want to ensure that people will receive the care they need without worrying about the cost," said Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. "We believe that we need to step forward and do our part to help furloughed federal employees and their families."

All 17 Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals, including Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood, will waive fees above and beyond what insurance pays while the government shutdown continues. Urgent care centers will also have fees waived.

The federal government shutdown is now in its 27th day, and 800,000 federal employees are going without pay. That includes some 5,000 New Jersey residents.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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