No Surprise Billing for Emergency Care
You’re protected from surprise medical bills when you visit the ER of Watauga for emergency care.
Federal and Texas laws guarantee that you pay only your standard in-network costs—your copay, coinsurance, and deductible—regardless of our network status with your insurance plan. Any billing disputes are handled directly between your insurance company and us.
Your In-Network Benefits Apply Here
Watauga ER may be out-of-network with your health insurance plan. For emergency care, that doesn’t change what you pay.
Under the No Surprises Act and Texas Senate Bill 1264, emergency services must be covered at in-network rates. Your insurance company cannot charge you more because you visited our facility instead of a hospital ER.
When you receive emergency care at Watauga ER:
● You pay only your in-network cost-sharing amounts (copay, coinsurance, deductible)
● Your payments count toward your in-network deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
● Your insurance must cover emergency services without prior authorization
● You cannot be required to waive these protections
What Is Balance Billing?
Balance billing happens when a provider bills you for the difference between their charges and what your insurance pays.
Example: A provider charges $1,000. Your insurance pays $600. Without protection, the provider could bill you the $400 difference on top of your regular copay and deductible.
For emergency care, balance billing is prohibited by law. You pay only your in-network cost-sharing amount. The difference is settled between the provider and your insurance company—not billed to you.
What You'll Pay
When you receive emergency care at Watauga ER, you’re responsible for what you’d pay at any in-network emergency room:
● Copayment: Your plan’s fixed ER visit amount
● Coinsurance: Your percentage of costs after meeting your deductible
● Deductible: Your out-of-pocket amount before insurance coverage begins
Your insurance will send you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) showing exactly what you owe at in-network rates.
Understanding Your Bill
Emergency room visits may generate two categories of charges:
● Facility charges: Emergency room, nursing care, equipment, supplies, and medications administered during your visit.
● Physician charges: The emergency physician’s professional services for evaluating and treating your condition.
You may receive these as separate line items or separate statements. Both are subject to balance billing protections for emergency services
Learn More About Your Rights
For more information about your rights under Texas law, visit the Texas Department of Insurance at tdi.texas.gov/medical-billing/surprise-balance-billing.
For more information about your rights under federal law, call 1-800-252-3439 or visit cms.gov/nosurprises.
For Uninsured or Self-Pay Patients
Balance billing protections apply to patients with health insurance. If you’re uninsured or choose not to use your insurance, we offer flexible payment plans with monthly payments as low as $15-$50.
Questions About Your Bill?
ER of Watauga Billing Department
Phone: (817) 785-8000
Email: info@aimbillingsolutions.com