Latest help for government workers: Hackensack Meridian to waive copays, deductibles

Hackensack Meridian Health announced it will waive co-pays and deductibles for emergency visits throughout its network’s hospitals and urgent care centers for all federal employees and their insured family members affected by the government shutdown.

“We have seen the financial impact the federal government shutdown has had on many families and we want to ensure that people will receive the care they need without worrying about the cost,’’ said CEO Robert Garrett.

“We believe that we need to step forward and do our part to help furloughed federal employees and their families.”

The shutdown has impacted at least 5,000 New Jersey residents who have now been furloughed or forced to work without pay for 26 days.

“We are keenly aware of the burden that this shutdown has placed on our patients who are federal employees,’’ said Robert Glenning, chief financial officer at HMH.

“We are eager to do our part to ease some of the financial worries these families are facing.”