CMS: Presence Covenant Back In Compliance with Medicare

Federal officials say Medicare payments to Presence Covenant Medical Center will continue.

Illinois’ Department of Public Health did an unannounced survey of the Urbana hospital Wednesday, stating Covenant was back in compliance with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. 

"On July 17, an unannounced follow up survey was conducted at Presence Covenant Medical Center," said spokeswoman Elizabeth Surgener. "During their visit, staff determined that the facility was back in compliance with EMTALA requirements."

The measure requires hospitals that accept Medicare to provide emergency care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a statement on Thursday, saying it will rescind the plan to terminate those payments as of July 30. 

The hospital had failed an April 16 survey based on what CMS said was a failure to accept an individual.

A Covenant spokeswoman said the hospital passed a corrective action plan, but it still had to pass the surprise state inspection this week.