How To Get Help Paying For An Ambulance Bill

When an ambulance transports someone to a hospital, it is usually a medical emergency and the professional medical care provided by the paramedics is essential. For most people, asking how much the ambulance is going to cost is not at the top of their minds.

It is not until later when the bill arrives that patients and their families wonder how such a short ride can cost so much.

It is a sad fact of American life that an ambulance ride for a medical emergency can result in debt. Some health insurance plans pay for ambulance rides while others consider it out of pocket.

Fortunately, there are programs that offer assistance with an ambulance provider costs so you don't get stuck paying the entire bill yourself.

Let's see why ambulance providers charge so much and how you can get help paying your surprise ambulance bill.

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The History Of The Ambulance Service

The history of the ambulance began in 900 A.D. with two horses and a suspended litter. The more modern ambulance started in 1887, although militaries have used horse-drawn ambulances since 1487.

Hospitals in the US started using ambulances in 1865 and staffed them with doctors and later interns.

Motorized ambulances rolled out in the early 1900s and aircraft saw first use during the First World War top provide emergency services.

After the Korean War, ambulance companies continued but were staffed by men whose job was transport patients.

During the Vietnam War, the concept of emergency medical technicians staffing an ambulance was suggested. In fact, the TV show Emergency was a way to get people used to the concept of EMTs providing care.

The modern ambulance service is divided into fire department ambulances and private ambulance providers. Which set up a city or county uses is based on needs, number of runs, and staffing.

The ambulance company may take you to the nearest hospital or a preferred hospital, and this can cause more issues with your hospital bills.

The Average Ambulance Bill

Ambulance companies can be run by a private company, not-for-profit, or publicly owned. Regardless, the average price for patient transport is $1,200, although this can skyrocket based on the type of emergency.

Air transport runs between $20,000 and $45,000.

Health insurance may or may not pay, because the responding ambulance may be "out of network providers."

However, the rules are wildly irregular. Most people are under the mistaken impression that ambulances only transport you to a medical facility if you're having an emergency or need immediate care.

If a private ambulance company responds, the patient is charged a flat fee, between $500 to $1,200 for an ambulance transport to either the ED or non emergency transports to another medical facility like dialysis, or a transfer from someplace like a nursing home to a hospital.

Distance matters as well. Medicare covers distances up to 150 miles, whereas some other providers cover distances only up to 20 miles.

The base price is set by Medicare, but that is not what every patient will pay.

Instead, the service charges much more to cover expenses, defaulted bills, and uninsured individuals. If you are living on a limited income, look into Medicaid insurance.

The bill is set out like this:

• Initial pick up $500- $1000
• Mileage $10-$13 per mile
• Medical intervention and supplies
• Other charges based on balance billing - anything not included in your health insurance coverage - that is now your responsibility

Who Pays For An Ambulance Ride?

The patient's insurance coverage will usually pay the ambulance bills once the deductible and/or co-payments are met from the patient's own pocket.

This is usually a question for an insurance company, as they can give you more specific details on your current plan, if the ambulance service is in network and the expected financial contribution from patients.

If there is a hospital stay, patients may get billed separately for this event.

In many cases, ambulances will take uninsured or low income patients or those who cannot afford their deductible and may send ambulance bills to the patient's hospital for reimbursement after care has been provided at a hospital ED/ER.

How Do You Negotiate An Ambulance Bill?

If a patient can not afford to pay or bill or it seems excessively high, your first step is to talk to the patient's insurance company.

They may be willing to set up a one time contract with the ambulance service to decrease your bill. They may also agree to cover more of the bill.

If you are not insured or your insurance company will not help, contact the ambulance company. They may agree to a lump sum payment or set up a payment plan.

As with hospitals, ambulance services can pad the bill. Ask for an itemized copy of this surprise bill to look for inflated charges.

Your final option is to contact the news media. There may be a consumer affairs reporter whose questions shining lights onto the billing practices can encourage the ambulance company to negotiate or forgive an excessive bill and allow you to pay a more reasonable amount.

How to Avoid Paying Ambulance Bills

It's important to note that while the aim should not be to avoid paying for services received, there are certain circumstances in which you may be able to legally and ethically avoid or significantly reduce your ambulance bill. Here are some strategies:

1. Insurance Coverage

Ensure you have a robust health insurance plan that includes coverage for ambulance services. Check with your insurance provider about the specifics of your plan, particularly if it covers out-of-network ambulance services. If your current plan doesn't cover these services, you might consider upgrading to a plan that does​​.

2. Negotiation

Negotiating the ambulance bill can significantly lower the amount you need to pay. If you're uninsured or your insurance doesn't cover the full amount, reach out to the ambulance company. They may agree to a lump sum payment or a payment plan that fits your budget. It's also beneficial to ask for an itemized bill to spot any inflated charges​​.

3. Financial Assistance Programs

If you meet the income eligibility criteria, you can apply for financial assistance programs. These programs can assist in paying for unpaid coinsurance, deductibles, and non-covered, medically necessary services. Government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, as well as certain charitable organizations, offer financial assistance that can help with ambulance bills​.

4. Accident and Sickness Insurance

Companies offer additional insurance policies known as Accident and Sickness Insurance. This covers part of the out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, which can include ambulance services. These policies are generally affordable and can be a viable strategy to avoid paying ambulance bills​​.

5. Local Government Services

In certain areas, local governments provide ambulance services free of charge to residents. Check with your city or county government to find out if such services are available in your area.

Please remember, these strategies are meant to help reduce the financial burden of ambulance bills, not to encourage evasion of rightful payments for services received. Always ensure you are taking ethical steps to manage your medical expenses.

Financial Assistance For Ambulance Bill

Luckily, there are a variety of organizations that offer a financial assistance program if you meet income eligibility criteria established by the federal government.

A financial assistance program can assist in paying for unpaid coinsurance, deductibles and non-covered, medically necessary services. One of the most notable is the CARE program, part of Medicare and Medicaid.

You can ask your insurance provider if they have an emergency assistance program. If you don't have any insurance, you should call the hospital and ask them about their financial assistance plans.

One can also contact Good Samaritan providers to see if they're willing to provide help for an emergency situation.

Other entities that may offer financial help include places like churches or charities that are at your disposal when you find yourself in need of extra support too. 

Of course, patients can also set up a Go-Fund-Me and beg strangers for financial assistance.

There are several programs that may provide financial assistance:

• Medicaid covers ambulance transportation for eligible enrollees.
• Many hospitals have charity care programs that can cover ambulance bills.
• This Healthcare.gov guide lists more resources for assistance.
  

Surprise Billing

Surprise medical bills have been a staple of American medicine. A trip to the hospital can result in five or six bills from medical providers and the ambulance service. Some of the bills will be for services that are out of network.

As of January 1, 2022, there are new billing protections to stop surprise bills from out of network services located in in network facilities. As a result, excessive out-of-pocket costs are restricted

Protecting patients from a surprise medical bill is very important and will hopefully cause less financial hardship and need for financial assistance.

Preventing Surprise Ambulance Bills

It could include things like:

• Checking your insurance policy ahead of time to understand ambulance coverage
• Knowing your in-network ambulance providers and using them when possible
• Asking EMTs to take you to an in-network hospital if possible
• Negotiating/asking for an estimate from the ambulance company before agreeing to transport
  

Tips To Save Money On Your Next Hospital Visit

The average visit to the emergency room can cost at least $751. While you may expect your health insurance to cover an ER visit, most Americans have only catastrophic health insurance, meaning that something very serious must happen in order for insurance to be worth having.

Companies now offer an additional insurance policy known as Accident and Sickness Insurance. This covers part of the out of pocket expenses like deductibles on the catastrophic insurance that is what most Americans can afford to pay for.

This type of coverage generally costs between $20-$50 per month depending on what type of features you want in your policy.

Another option is using your Flexible Spending Account, providing you have one and can afford to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses.

Am I Legally Required to Pay?

In some cases, patients may not have consented to or requested the ambulance ride. Depending on your state's laws, you may not be legally required to pay if services were performed without consent. However, refusing to pay can still affect your credit. Check your state laws and consult a legal aid clinic if you have concerns.

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