ACESDV

End Sexual & Domestic Violence

Press Release: ACESDV Offers Opportunity for Sexual Assault Survivors to be Reimbursed for Medical Expenses

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 13, 2023
2700 N. Central Ave, Suite 1100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-279-2900 / 1-800-782-6400
media@acesdv.org


ARIZONA COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFERS OPPORTUNITY FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES

PHOENIX, September 13, 2023 – The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence (ACESDV) is pleased to announce with funding from the Office of the Governor, a program to reimburse sexual assault survivors for medical expenses incurred due to the assault.

Survivors and victims of sexual assault report that they incur the medical expenses associated with an assault such as emergency room treatment or treatment for injuries sustained during the assault. While costs for a forensic medical exam are covered by each county, any other medical costs are not, leaving a victim/survivor with a sometimes onerous bill. Recognizing that victims and survivors of sexual assault need assistance, but not having a scope of the problem in Arizona, a pilot program was proposed to both assist survivors as well as to determine the extent of the need across the state.

The Sexual Assault Reimbursement Program (SARP) was launched early September 2023 giving sexual assault survivors an opportunity to be reimbursed for medical expenses related to the assault they experienced.   The program can cover medical costs from the initial visit and follow-up care for physical injuries, lab work associated with aftercare, medication such as those for HIV prevention or prophylaxis, emergency contraception, medical transportation, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.

“ACESDV is incredibly thankful to have funding to provide direct financial assistance to sexual assault survivors for medical cost reimbursement,” said Jenna Panas, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. “No survivor should ever have to incur medical debt or additional costs related to a crime committed against them and their body. We are thrilled to be able to offer survivors additional support as they heal both emotionally and physically from their assault.”

Eligibility criteria for sexual assault survivors to receive medical reimbursement includes:

  • The assault occurred on or after January 1st, 2022
  • The assault occurred OR patient received acute medical treatment in the state of Arizona 
  • Patient sought and received a Medical Forensic Exam (MFE) following sexual assault 
  • If patient sought a Medical Forensic Exam but was not able to receive one, certification of such must be provided by medical staff, medical billing department, and/or victim advocate 
  • In addition to a medical forensic exam, the patient received medical treatment for related injuries within 30 days of assault 
  • Patient must be 18 years or older at the time of application to receive reimbursement.
  • If patient is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must apply for reimbursement on the patient’s behalf 
  • Patient does NOT need to report to law enforcement to be eligible for reimbursement under SARP

To fill out the application for reimbursement or for additional information, please visit: https://arizonasurvivors.org/sarp/.

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About the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence

The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) works to dismantle oppression and promote equity among all people, focusing on increasing public awareness about sexual and domestic violence and enhancing safety and services for survivors. ACESDV was originally founded as the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1980, so that concerned citizens and professionals could unite in a statewide organization to end domestic violence. In 2013, the coalition became the designated dual coalition to address both sexual and domestic violence in Arizona, thus becoming the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. ACESDV provides training and technical assistance to responders, service providers, and community members, engages in public policy advocacy and public awareness initiatives, and provides direct services through the Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline and online chat. To learn more visit www.acesdv.org and www. arizonasurvivors.org.

Follow ACESDV on Twitter: twitter.com/ACESDV
Find ACESDV on Facebook: facebook.com/ACESDV
See ACESDV on Instagram: instagram.com/ACESDVORG

Media Contact(s)
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
Jenna Panas, (817) 939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org