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SMITHVILLE – County residents are covered in the case of required emergency medical air transport thanks to an agreement approved by city representatives.
Smithville City Council last week renewed its agreement with PHI Cares, a leading helicopter- based medical transport provider. Medically necessary air transport from the provider will result in no out-of-pocket expenses for in-city or Bastrop County pickups as a result.
“The number one priority for the Smithville City Council is the safety of our citizens,” City Manager Robert Tamble said. “PHI Cares provides a vital service to our local community, so renewing our agreement was a no-brainer to keep our residents and their household safe in the event of a serious emergency. We urge all residents to pick up their membership cards and seriously think about protecting the rest of their household and themselves when traveling out of city or county.”
The municipal agreement is effective through April 30, 2025.
The agreement includes residents that are not on Medicaid, covered by existing medical insurance or have no third party responsible for their medical transport. In all other cases, PHI Air Medical works with the residents’ insurance provider, to resolve claims for any medically necessary transport to ensure members face no added costs, according to the council.
Residents should first contact 911 in an emergency, then inform PHI Cares at 1-888-435-9744 with membership number #26715 and transport details.
City Council encourages residents to pick up their membership card at Smithville City Hall, 317 Main Street.
Additionally, residents qualify for coast-to-coast coverage at a subsidized $30/year per household. This optional expanded plan provides coverage for residents to be flown by PHI Air Medical when they travel out of county, giving them peace of mind whenever and wherever they travel, according to the council.
Household coverage also extends to dependents.
