It's important not to delay care in a true emergency
It's crucial to seek medical care immediately when you experience symptoms, as delaying can make them worse. Depending on the severity, you can call 911, go to an emergency room, or visit an urgent care facility. Don't wait to address your symptoms, as they can quickly escalate without proper medical intervention. For example, mild chest pain could indicate a heart attack, which, if untreated, can lead to severe cardiac damage or even death.
Some medical conditions can lead to additional complications if not treated promptly. For instance, delaying treatment for symptoms of a stroke can raise the risk of permanent brain damage or disability. In some cases, the longer care is delayed, the less effective treatments can be. This is especially true for conditions like stroke, where certain interventions are time-sensitive.
Did you know? In the United States, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, and unfortunately, someone dies from a stroke every 4 minutes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "The key to stroke treatment and recovery is getting to the hospital quickly. Stroke patients who are taken to the hospital in an ambulance may get diagnosed and treated more quickly than people who do not arrive in an ambulance. This is because emergency treatment starts on the way to the hospital. The emergency workers may take you to a specialized stroke center to ensure you receive the quickest possible diagnosis and treatment."
Delaying emergency care in such situations can limit the available treatment options and decrease the likelihood of a full recovery.
The cost of delayed care
Concern about costs is often one of the biggest roadblocks to accessing emergency care. According to a 2022 study, more than 1 in 4 adults reported delaying or not getting care due to cost. Nearly half of those surveyed worry about their ability to pay medical bills if they get sick or have an accident.
Many people think delaying emergency care to avoid paying an ambulance bill will save money. In reality, delaying or avoiding care can result in higher medical expenses in the long term. Untreated emergencies can lead to more serious health issues that require expensive treatment, hospitalization, and rehabilitation, which can significantly increase medical bills.
Get the emergency care you need when you need it
With your MASA coverage, you're protected from medical transport costs during an emergency. Just send us the ambulance bill when it arrives, and we'll apply your MASA coverage to the remaining balance of an approved claim, including your co-pays and deductibles.
Remember, in some cases care actually starts in an ambulance - and then continues when you get to the hospital. So, MASA coverage applies to more than a ride. It's access to the emergency care when and where you need it most.
As a MASA member, you can visit your member portal to review your benefits.
