AWCA Resource Center
AWCA Resource Center

Hospital Care

Emergency Room (ER) Care

This content is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a healthcare professional. In case of an emergency, immediately call 911.

Emergency Department services provide immediate evaluation and treatment for sudden illnesses or injuries. These services are essential when a person’s health or life is at risk and requires rapid medical intervention to stabilize their condition.

Coverage & Benefits

Medicare Part B

  • Coverage: Emergency room services are generally covered under Medicare Part B as outpatient services. This applies even if the patient stays in the ER overnight for observation.
  • Observation Services: Patients may be kept in a “Clinical Decision Unit” or under “Observation Status” to determine if they need to be admitted as an inpatient. Typically, this stay does not exceed two nights.
  • Admission to Inpatient Care: If a patient is formally admitted to the same hospital as an inpatient for the same condition within 3 days of the ER visit, the ER services are generally covered under Medicare Part A instead of Part B.
  • Patient Cost: After meeting the Part B deductible, the patient is responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor’s services(coinsurance) and a copayment for each hospital outpatient department visit.

Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare)

  • Coverage: Medicaid covers emergency room visits when a medical need is immediate. For eligible recipients, emergency services are a mandatory benefit.
  • Cost Sharing: In New Jersey, Medicaid recipients typically have $0 copayments for emergency room services that meet the medical necessity criteria.
  • Prior Authorization: No prior authorization is required for emergency department services.

Private Insurance

  • Coverage: Most private plans cover ER visits based on the prudent layperson standard.
  • In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Under the federal No Surprise Act and New Jersey’s Consumer Protection Act, emergency services and subsequent observation care costs for patients are In-Network rates even if the facility or provider is out-of-network.
  • Admission Notice: While the initial ER visit does not require pre-approval, the hospital must notify the insurer if the patient is subsequently admitted to the hospital.

    * In-Network refers to hospitals, physicians, and providers (including doctors, nurse practitioners, and physical therapists) who have a contracted agreement with your insurance plan.
    * Out-of-Network providers do not have a contract with your insurer, which can result in significantly higher out-of-pocket costs.

Cost Sharing by Insurance Type (2026)

Insurance TypeDeductibleCoinsurance / Copayment
Medicare Part B$28320% of the Medicare-approved amount + Hospital Copayment
Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare)$0Typically $0 for eligible services
Medicare Advantage (Part C), Private InsuranceVaries by planVaries; In-network rates apply to emergencies and observation cares

Hospitals and Providers Search

Emergency Care Providers in Bergen County

The following are non-emergency contacts. In case of an emergency, immediately call 911.

Hospital NameAddressPhone NumberWebsite
Bergen New Bridge Health Emergency Medical Services230 East Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652201-967-4000newbridgehealth.org/emergency-care
Englewood Health Emergency Medical Services350 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ 07631201- 894-3000englewoodhealth.org/emergency-services
Hackensack Meridian Health-Pascack Valley Emergency Medical Services250 Old Hook Road,
Westwood, NJ 07675		201- 383-1035pascackmedicalcenter.com/emergency-care
Hackensack University Medical Center Emergency Medical Services30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601551-996-2000hackensackmeridianhealth.org/emergency-care
Holy Name Medical Center Emergency Care Center718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666201-833-3000holyname.org/emergencycare
The Valley Hospital Clinical Decision Unit4 Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652201-447-8000valleyhealth.com/emergency-services

Resources

Resources

Hospital Care