Globe residents urged to secure emergency air medical coverage before municipal program lapses in August

Many residents may not realize they have been protected under this city-funded benefit for the past four years. They can now keep that protection and extend it to nationwide coverage.”

Carrie Brookshire, PHI Senior Membership Manager

The City of Globe is pausing a municipal agreement with PHI Air this August as it makes difficult decisions to redirect funding toward recovery from the effects of severe flooding last September which caused $95 million in damage to the community.

To limit any gap in coverage, PHI Cares is offering Globe residents a discounted annual household membership of $30 — around 68% below the standard $95 rate — available for enrollment through this link. The membership covers all household dependents plus up to three additional people at the same address, and members flown by PHI Air Medical incur no out-of-pocket costs anywhere in the country.

Mayor cites flood recovery pressures

Mayor Al Gameros said the decision reflected difficult budget tradeoffs rather than a shift in the city's commitment to resident safety.

"Access to emergency air medical transportation can make a tremendous difference when minutes matter, especially in rural communities like ours," Gameros said. "As the city continues to manage the financial impacts of flood recovery and prioritize limited resources toward critical recovery and mitigation efforts, we were unable to renew the annual PHI Air Medical Membership program on behalf of our residents this year."

He noted that residents can still maintain uninterrupted protection on their own. "Residents who wish to maintain coverage may renew directly with PHI for $30.00 for the upcoming year for the entire household if completed by August," he said, adding thanks to PHI and to residents "for their understanding as we work through the ongoing recovery process together."

A benefit many didn't know they had

Carrie Brookshire, PHI senior membership manager, said the transition is also an opportunity for residents to understand, and expand, a benefit many have relied on without realising it.

"For over four years, PHI Cares, a division of PHI Air Medical, has provided residents in the City of Globe access to local emergency air medical coverage through a municipal membership program," Brookshire said. "Many residents may not realize they have been protected under this city-funded benefit for the past four years. They can now keep that protection and extend it to nationwide coverage."

How to enroll

Residents are encouraged to sign up before the municipal membership expires on August 12 to avoid any lapse in coverage. Enrollment is available by contacting Carrie Brookshire at 480-841-5837 or through phicares.com.