Getting an ambulance ride can be a lifesaving necessity in medical emergencies. However the bill that follows often brings financial stress. Ambulance services involve high operating costs. At the same time insurance coverage for ambulance transport is complex. As a result, you may end up with surprisingly high out-of-pocket expenses. Here’s what you need to know about ambulance bills and your payment obligations.
How Much Does An Ambulance Cost?
The base rate for an ambulance ride is usually between $300-$500. Additional charges apply based on the level of care provided. Basic life support transport in an emergency costs $450-$750 on average. For advanced life support involving cardiac monitoring IV fluids and medication administration, expect to pay $700-$1000. Longer transport distance, supplies used, and waiting time further add to your bill.
In total an ambulance ride often ranges from $500-$2000 without insurance. With insurance coverage your out-of-pocket cost is typically $100-$500. However, this can go up to $1000 or more if you get a surprise or balance bill for out-of-network services.
Do You Have To Pay The Full Ambulance Bill?
If you have health insurance, you only pay your share of the ambulance costs, not the full bill. Your share includes deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
However, your insurer reimburses ambulance companies based on Medicare rates which are lower than the actual charges. This results in two issues:
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Ambulance services are often out-of-network for insurers. Your insurer may cover just a portion of the bill, leaving you with high out-of-pocket expenses.
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Even if in-network, your ambulance provider can bill you for the balance amount not reimbursed by insurance.
Both scenarios can lead to balance billing, inflating your costs. Unfortunately, ground ambulance costs are not protected by surprise billing laws that cap such out-of-network charges for other emergency services.
When Do You Not Have To Pay An Ambulance Bill?
There are some situations in which you may not have to pay the ambulance bill:
You Were Not Transported
In case an ambulance was called and evaluated you or provided basic treatment but did not ultimately transport you to a medical facility, you have no payment obligation. Insurance does not cover such non-transport ambulance calls.
Medicaid Coverage
Medicaid beneficiaries do not have to pay anything out-of-pocket for ambulance services as it is a covered benefit. Any charges get billed directly to and paid by Medicaid.
Charity Care Programs
Many hospitals provide free or discounted ambulance services for low-income, uninsured patients based on financial need. You can inquire about charity care programs applicable in your state.
Special Liability Situations
If someone else was liable for your injury leading to the ambulance call, for instance in a car accident, their insurance (auto, homeowner’s, etc.) may cover your ambulance fees.
How To Avoid Or Reduce Ambulance Bills
It takes effort and planning to minimize surprise ambulance bills. Here are some tips:
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Check your insurance coverage: Know the details of your ambulance coverage including deductibles, copays, pre-authorization needs, and in-network providers in your area.
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Consider supplemental insurance: Ambulance add-on coverage through Medicare Advantage plans or private supplemental plans can provide additional financial protection.
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Inquire about membership programs: Some municipalities offer annual ambulance membership subscriptions that reduce point-of-service out-of-pocket costs for residents.
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Negotiate before services: If you need a non-emergency scheduled ambulance transport, negotiate and get a cost estimate in writing beforehand.
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Scrutinize the bill: Ensure you are billed fairly for the level of care received. Appeal any discrepancies or unwarranted charges.
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Seek assistance: If facing financial hardship, request charity care, payment plans, or bill forgiveness from the ambulance provider.
Can You Refuse To Pay An Ambulance Bill?
It is advisable not to ignore ambulance bills as they can go into collections and hurt your credit score. However, there are valid reasons you could use to appeal an excessive or improper ambulance fee:
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You were charged out-of-network rates unfairly.
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Services provided did not warrant the billing level.
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Errors like duplicate charges or insurance underpayment.
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Low-income charity care eligibility.
Document the reasons clearly in writing and follow up persistently with the billing agency. Seek legal or consumer assistance if required.
Ambulance transport plays a vital role in healthcare. But the unpredictable costs still cause financial anxiety for many. Knowledge of billing processes, insurance coverage, appeal rights, and payment assistance programs is essential to tackle this challenge. With preparation and diligence, you can avoid or reduce the stress of ambulance bills.
Why do I have to pay?
Any patient transported in an ambulance in the City of Albuquerque will receive a bill for services rendered. This bill will come from the EMS service that provided the transport. The Albuquerque Fire Rescue is not an exception and will bill patients for EMS transports. The fees are set by tariff as approved by the State of New Mexicos Public Regulation Commission. The current rates are included below.
What happens after I receive an Albuquerque Fire Rescue Ambulance Transport?
The Albuquerque Fire Rescue, through its contracted billing company, will attempt to bill all known insurances, including Medicare, Medicaid and Commercial for services rendered. If we are unable to determine your insurance provider (and you are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid), or the insurance provider does not pay the bill in full, or the Medicare/Medicaid/insurance provider refuses/denies the claim, you may receive a bill. The bill will contain instructions on how to remit payment. The bill is ultimately your responsibility.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay Ambulance Bill? – CountyOffice.org
FAQ
How much does an ambulance cost in New Mexico?
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Service Rendered
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Rate
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First Hour or any portion thereof:
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$145.00
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Second Whole Hour and any whole hour thereafter:
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$108.00
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Fifteen (15) minute increments after first hour:
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$27.00
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Could a no surprise bill still be a problem for ambulances?
It may still happen: The No Surprises Act called for an advisory committee with government officials, consumer advocates, insurers, and ambulance providers to study how consumers could be better protected from surprise bills for ground ambulances. Medicare and Medicaid, which already ban balance billing on ambulance services, may also play a role.
Do ground ambulances get a surprise bill?
The recently enacted No Surprises Act (NSA) provides landmark protections against surprise billing in a wide range of settings — but not for ground ambulances. At least half of all ambulance rides may result in a surprise bill, with bills averaging $450.
Do Ambulance Companies Bill out-of-network charges?
When people dial 911, perhaps the last thing they think about is how much the ambulance ride will cost. But a report released Tuesday by U.S. PIRG Education Trust shows ambulance companies routinely bill out-of-network charges. This happens when an insurance plan’s network doesn’t include the public or private ambulance company.
Can a patient be billed for a refused ambulance service?
In other states, such as Texas and Florida, patients can be billed for ambulance services they refused, but only if they signed a form acknowledging the refusal. In some states, such as Illinois and Pennsylvania, there is no clear law or policy on this issue.