*Story Updated Wednesday at 10:49 a.m.
PHI Air Medical recently announced a program where Newton County residents could save themselves a hefty charge if they happen to require a medical airlift that occurs outside the Newton County area.
Earlier this year, the Newton County Board of Supervisors entered into an agreement with PHI, who is partnered with Oschner Rush Health in Meridian, where residents of Newton County who require a medical air transfer will not be charged for the service if they are picked up in Newton County or surrounding counties. However, if their medical emergency occurs in Jackson or anywhere outside the agreement’s coverage, residents would be charged for their airlift.
Taylor Johnson, Membership Manager with PHI Air Medical, says that they are now offering county residents an opportunity to join their Municipality Program, which expands their protection throughout Mississippi and extends their coverage nationwide for $30 per household, per year.
“This upgrade plan, which is $30 a year, covers you and the entire household. If PHI picks you up, you won’t pay anything out-of-pocket,” said Johnson. “It covers them all across the state, and outside the state.”
Other states that are included in the PHI Air Medical Municipality Coverage include Alabama, Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
“So, if you’re on vacation looking at the Grand Canyon and you have a medical emergency where PHI picks you up, if you have that $30 upgrade, you wouldn’t be charged anything out of pocket,” added Johnson.
Other membership benefits include no financial limit on medical transport costs, coverage for scene calls and inter-facility transfers, and the ability to track your loved one inflight to life-saving care.
How to Enroll
Newton County residents who have questions or are interested in upgrading to the Municipality Program coverage with PHI can contact Taylor Johnson by calling 1-855-601-2599, emailing her at tcjohnson@phiairmedical.com, or by visiting her website at phicares.com/taylor-johnson/.
On Monday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Johnson will be stationed in the boardroom of the City of Newton City Hall to sign up residents who are interested in upgrading and answer any questions.
