MEDICAL EMERGENCY

What do you do when you have a medical conditions that will be aggravated or become life threatening when you are faced with a utility shutoff or you have been disconnected? 

There are numerous medical conditions that could be classified as meidcal emergencies requiring continued utility service:

• The diabetic who needs to keep insulin refrigerated, or a stove to cook meals
• The person with asthma who needs electricity for an inhalation treatment two or three times a day to prevent a serious attack
• The child who suffers from a sleep disorder and needs an electric alarm to wake the parents if breathing stops
• The aged adult who suffers from chronic respiratory disease and needs air conditioning on a hot humid day
• The heart patient who needs oxygen 24 hours a day and needs electricity to keep a respirator running.

The list above gives just a few examples that might constitute a medical emergency.  By following the steps described you can prevent a shutoff or restore service and perhaps save a life.

Sample letter from health care provider to utility company.
Example of a note from physician that did not work

What if I have a Medical Emergency?

When your utility is notified by your doctor or the local Board of Health that a medical emergency exists which will be aggravated by the lack of utility service, it has to keep your service on or restore your service for 30 days. The notification may be made by phone, but must be followed within five business days by written certification, which should be on the doctor's letterhead. This certificate may be renewed for an additional 30 days by the doctor who must explain how long the condition will last, and you show why you are unable to pay your utility bill. If your medical condition is chronic, a longer time period can be approved.          16 NYCRR § 11.5 (a)

If utility service is required to operate a lifesupport system (ventilator, dialysis machine), the doctor's certificate remains effective unless terminated by the PSC. However, every three months, you must show your utility why you can't pay your bill. Your utility will code your account to ensure service is continued to your residence.    16 NYCRR § 11.5 (a) (6)

If the utility intends to terminate serive to a medical emergency account, it must send a final termination notice fifteen days prior to the date of termination.  16 NYCRR § 11.5 (a) (6)

During the medical emergency your obligation to pay the bill is suspended and you may owe a large amount at the end of the medical emergency.  The Public Service Commission is required to help you work out payment arrangements to avoid arrearages at the end of the emergency.  16 NYCRR § 11.5 (a) (7)

PULP Answers Questions About Medical Emergencies.
If you have a specific question about a medical emergency, contact PULP. 
For a sample of some detailed questions about medical emergencies and PULP's answers, click here.