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Those who received emergency care at a Washington Providence hospital may be entitled to receive enhanced screening processes and to make claims for monetary relief under the terms of a class action settlement.
Class Members include those who received emergency treatment at a Providence Health and Services (PHS) Washington-affiliated hospital or a PHS-affiliated hospital in the state of Washington between Feb. 20, 2014, and Aug. 24, 2020.
Providence Centralia Hospital, Providence Holy Family Hospital, Providence Mount Carmel Hospital, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital, Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital, Providence St. Mary Medical Center, Providence St. Peter Hospital Providence Holy Family Hospital, Sacred Heart Medical Center, and Kadlec Medical Center are all Providence-affiliated hospitals, according to the settlement agreement.
Plaintiffs Nathan Hofstader and Richard Cerenzia lodged a class action lawsuit against Providence hospital in Washington, as well as Emergency Physician Services PS, alleging they failed to inform them and other emergency room patients of the availability of charity care. The complaint was originally filed in the Eastern District of Washington in 2018.
The plaintiffs say they and others missed out on vital financial aid during their health crisis. According to the complaint, failing to inform patients about the charity care option violated the Washington Consumer Protection Act.
Providence hospital maintains that it did not violate Washington state law with its emergency room intake procedures, but has agreed to change its screening procedures as a part of a class action settlement in the case. In addition, the hospital system has agreed to pay an undisclosed amount for plaintiffs’ awards, attorneys’ fees, and administration of the settlement.
In addition, Class Members who do not opt out of or object to the settlement agreement retain the right to claim monetary relief from Providence hospital; however, Class Members will not be able to take part in another class action lawsuit regarding Providence’s emergency room intake practices.
Under the terms of the class action settlement, Providence has agreed to change aspects of its intake process.
For uninsured patients, a registrar or financial counselor will now screen for eligibility for financial assistance or Medicaid. Patients will be asked in the emergency room if they would like to be screened to see if they are eligible for Washington state Medicaid or state-based financial assistance.
In all cases, the settlement agreement notes, Providence hospital’s obligations under the Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act remain in effect.
“Taking into account the benefits achieved and the risks of continued litigation, as well as the delays and uncertainties inherent in such litigation and any subsequent appeal, Plaintiffs and Class Counsel believe that it is desirable that the Action be fully and finally compromised and settled in exchange for Defendants’ agreement to provide the settlement relief to the Settlement Class Members,” the settlement agreement states.
Class Members will be automatically entered into the settlement. The settlement provides approximately 1 million Class Members with enhanced screening measures at Washington Providence hospitals and affiliated hospitals. Class Members who wish to opt out can do so online.
The deadline for Class Members to opt out of or object to the class action settlement is Nov. 23, 2020. The final hearing is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2021.
Who’s Eligible
Individuals who received emergency treatment at a Providence Health and Services (PHS) Washington-affiliated hospital or a PHS-affiliated hospital in the state of Washington between Feb. 20, 2014, and Aug. 24, 2020.
PHS-affiliated hospitals include Providence Centralia Hospital, Providence Holy Family Hospital, Providence Mount Carmel Hospital, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital, Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital, Providence St. Mary Medical Center, Providence St. Peter Hospital Providence Holy Family Hospital, Sacred Heart Medical Center and Kadlec Medical Center.
Potential Award
Enhanced screening services at Washington Providence hospital emergency rooms.
Proof of Purchase
None.
Opt-Out Form Deadline
11/23/2020
Case Name
Hofstader, et al v. Emergency Physician Services PS, et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-00062-SMJ, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
Final Hearing
02/09/2021
Settlement Website
Claims Administrator
Hofstader v. Emergency Physician Services, P.S., et al.
c/o ILYM Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 2031
Tustin, CA 92871
claims@ILYMGroupClassAction.com
(888) 250-6810
Class Counsel
Abbas Kazerounian
Ryan L. McBride
KAZEROUNI LAW GROUP
Boyd McFadden Mayo
MAYO LAW GROUP
Defense Counsel
Brad Fisher
DAVIS WRIGHT TREMAINE LLP
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