Pennsylvania Payment Resources



Summary of Payment Program


Billing

Patients are able to elect to have their insurance companies billed for the cost of the medical forensic examination or the bill will be paid by Crime Victim’s Compensation. Victims will not receive a bill for the examination or the medications provided during the exam. 

Pennsylvania law provides that a victim of sexual offenses shall not be burdened with the costs associated with a forensic rape examination and medications directly related to the sexual offense.

Payment

Pennsylvania’s Crime Victim’s Compensation is the source for payment for the medical forensic examination. A hospital or licensed healthcare facility may submit a claim for reimbursement for the costs associated with a forensic rape examination and medications directly related to the sexual offense. Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) may reimburse up to $1,000 for the costs associated with the forensic rape examination and medications directly related to the sexual offense. Payment is to be considered by the provider as payment in full for the forensic rape examination and medications provided at the time of the examination. The provider must complete the Forensic Rape Examination (FRE) Form in its entirety and submit to the VCAP within one year of the date of crime or the date of discovery of the crime for reimbursement of costs. Failure to submit within one year will result in a denial.    

Forensic Rape Examination (FRE) claims must be submitted online to be processed for payment. The Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) no longer accepts paper claims. 

Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) Application

Coordination with healthcare

Information on the Medical Forensic Exam in Pennsylvania can be found on the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape website. PCAR has a listing of the PA rape crisis centers where victims of sexual assault can find assistance and further guidance on where to obtain a medical forensic exam. Each county in PA has a rape crisis center, and information and support is available from those centers.

The medical forensic exam includes:

  • The collection of the sexual assault evidence kit;
  • Treatment for possible sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs);
  • Medication to prevent pregnancy (emergency contraception), if desired;
  • Information about follow-up medical care, community resources and support