What To Do If You Can’t Pay Your Ambulance Bill

Getting hit with a high ambulance bill can be shocking A single ambulance ride can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the services provided. For many individuals, this unexpected medical bill is unaffordable If you receive an ambulance bill that you can’t pay, don’t panic. You have options.

Understand Your Ambulance Bill and Charges

The first step is to understand exactly what you’re being charged for on your ambulance bill:

• Base fee – This covers transportation costs. Often $300-$500.

• Mileage fee – Charged per mile from pickup to destination Around $10-$20 per mile

• Treatment – Any medical care given en route, like IVs, intubation, etc.

• Supplies – Charges for oxygen, bandages, medications administered.

• Assessment – Evaluating and stabilizing at the scene.

Ambulance companies itemize all these services. Know exactly what you’re being billed for so you can better address costs you may dispute or want to negotiate.

Request an Itemized Breakdown of Your Ambulance Bill

Ambulance bills aren’t always clear or may seem inflated. Get an itemized statement detailing each specific charge so you can:

• Review charges for accuracy

• Identify any billing errors or duplicate charges

• Determine if you were overcharged for any services

• Know which charges are excessive or unreasonable

Don’t pay any questionable charges. Request an itemized bill from both the ambulance company and medical provider.

Check Your Ambulance Insurance Coverage

Many health insurance plans provide partial or even full coverage for ambulance transportation and emergency medical services. Contact your insurance provider to find out:

• If ambulance services are covered and at what rate

• What your out-of-pocket responsibility will be

• If the ambulance company is in-network or out-of-network

This will give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay vs. insurance paying on the bill. Submit the claim to your insurance as soon as possible.

Negotiate Your Ambulance Bill

If you’re paying the bill yourself, call the ambulance company and explain that the full charges are beyond your financial means. Be polite and reasonable. Ask if they can:

• Offer a discount for paying the bill quickly

• Put you on a payment plan with affordable installments

• Adjust or waive certain excessive fees

Many ambulance companies would rather receive some payment than send an unaffordable bill to collections. Negotiate a reduced amount or setup payments. Get any agreements in writing.

Apply for Financial Assistance for Ambulance Bills

Many ambulance providers offer financial assistance programs or hardship waivers for patients unable to pay:

• Submit income verification and financial documents

• Qualified low-income individuals may have fees reduced or waived

Non-profit hospitals often provide financial aid for ambulance services they’ve billed. Complete their financial assistance application and submit income documentation.

Seek Local Community Assistance for Ambulance Bills

There are charitable organizations in many communities that assist with medical bills:

• Patient advocate groups help negotiate billing issues

• Local churches or non-profits may provide bill payment assistance

• Hospital foundations sometimes cover ambulance costs

Ask social services organizations if they can direct you to resources to help pay ambulance and emergency medical bills.

Set Up Payment Plans for Unaffordable Ambulance Bills

If you’re unable to pay the full ambulance bill upfront, request to pay in installments over time. Many ambulance companies allow payment plans for 6-12 months or longer. Get terms in writing:

• Amount due each month

• Payment due dates

• Method of payment (auto-payments often required)

• Late payment fees and penalties

• Consequences if you default on payments

Payment plans allow you to pay slowly without further action. Just be sure the amounts fit your budget.

File a Hardship Waiver from Ambulance Bill Collections

If your bill gets sent to collections, immediately file a hardship waiver explaining your financial situation. Provide documentation showing:

• Income, expenses, assets, debts

• Inability to work or high medical costs

• Bank statements proving you can’t afford balance

Collectors may agree to stop pursuing payment and remove the account from your credit report. Get this hardship arrangement in writing.

Negotiate with Ambulance Bill Collections Agency

If the collection agency won’t accept a hardship waiver, negotiate alternative options:

• Offer low one-time lump sum settlement

• Request reduced balance for payments in full

• Set up affordable monthly payment plan

• Ask about medical debt forgiveness programs

Any new terms must be confirmed in writing. Get the collector’s name and ID number for reference. Don’t give bank account information.

Avoid Dipping Into Savings or Retirement for Ambulance Bills

It can be tempting to tap your savings or retirement funds to pay high ambulance and medical bills. But think carefully before going this route:

• Withdrawals incur taxes/penalties which can add to costs

• Draining savings leaves you financially vulnerable

• Retirement funds should be an absolute last resort

Explore assistance options first or set up a reasonable payment plan to avoid withdrawing savings you may need later.

Consider a Medical Credit Card or Personal Loan

Low-interest medical credit cards or personal loans allow you to pay over time for large medical bills you can’t cover upfront. Compare interest rates and terms to find the most affordable option. Make sure minimum payments fit your budget. Set up autopay to avoid missed payments or credit damage.

File for Bankruptcy for Unpayable Ambulance/Medical Debt

If you have excessive medical debt from an ambulance ride and other bills that is simply unpayable, bankruptcy may be an option. Consult a bankruptcy attorney about:

• Filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy

• Including all dischargeable medical debt

• Stopping collections activity

Bankruptcy provides relief by eliminating qualified medical debt, but it heavily impacts your credit. Seek legal advice to review your situation.

Don’t Ignoring Ambulance Bills and Collections

It can be very stressful trying to address unaffordable ambulance bills. But ignoring the debt and letting accounts go to collections will only make things worse. Act quickly to:

• Review itemized bill for errors

• Submit claim to insurance

• Apply for financial assistance

• Set up manageable payment arrangements

• Seek medical bill help from community groups

• Negotiate with ambulance provider and collections

• Consult attorney if bankruptcy may be best option

Be proactive to avoid further financial damage from unpaid ambulance bills sent to collections.