Getting transported to the hospital by ambulance can be a lifesaving necessity. However, ambulance rides are expensive and the bills can come as an unpleasant surprise. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to pay your ambulance bill including options if you can’t afford it.
Overview of Ambulance Bills
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Ambulance services are provided by local fire departments hospitals, private companies etc. Fees vary but average $450-$950 for basic life support and $700-$3500+ for advanced life support.
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Insurance may cover part or all of ambulance costs. But you may get separate bills from the ambulance provider and the hospital for their portions.
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Bills are sent to the patient. If insurance pays partially, you are responsible for copays, deductibles, and any portion insurance did not cover.
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Uninsured patients bear the full brunt of ambulance bills. These can devastate finances if you lack savings.
Payment Options
If you have the means, pay your ambulance bill promptly to avoid late fees. Here are some options:
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Pay online – Many ambulance companies allow online payments through their website or portals. You will need your account number and invoice details.
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Pay by phone – You can call the billing department and pay over the phone by credit card or electronic check.
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Pay by mail – Send a check or money order with your billing slip to the ambulance service’s payment mailing address.
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Payment plans – If the balance is large, contact billing to set up a monthly payment plan that splits costs over time.
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Collections – If you don’t pay after multiple bills and collection notices, the unpaid debt may be sent to collections. Try to avoid this outcome.
Financial Assistance Options
If you simply can’t afford the ambulance bill, don’t just ignore it. Here are some ways to seek financial relief:
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Insurance claim – File a claim if you haven’t yet. Get itemized bills and EOBs detailing what insurance covered.
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Negotiate costs – Ask for discounts, waivers for low income. Show proof of financial hardship.
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Payment plans – Set up a monthly payment plan with low or zero interest.
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Medical bill charity programs – Nonprofits like RIP Medical Debt buy and eliminate medical debt for those in need.
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Medicaid coverage – In some cases, retroactive Medicaid can be obtained to cover old medical bills.
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Bankruptcy – Medical debt can be discharged through bankruptcy if necessary as a last resort.
Tips for Paying Ambulance Bills
Follow these tips to handle ambulance bills more smoothly:
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Give insurance details to EMS provider so they can bill directly.
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Request itemized bill copies from ambulance and hospital to understand charges.
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Negotiate costs before sending to collections. Don’t let medical bills impact credit.
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If uninsured, ask hospital about financial assistance upfront before discharge.
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Seek payment plans or charity programs offered by hospital/EMS providers.
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Save medical expense records for potential Medicaid, bankruptcy options.
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Avoid ambulance use for non-emergencies – take Uber, taxi, or public transit instead.
Common Ambulance Billing Questions
Some frequent questions about ambulance bills include:
Do I have to pay for ambulance services if I didn’t consent? You are generally still responsible for EMS costs if transported against your wishes in an emergency.
Can I negotiate an ambulance bill? Yes. Contact the billing department, explain your situation, provide financials, and request rate reductions or waived fees.
Will Medicaid or Medicare cover ambulance costs? Generally, yes, if medically necessary. Though copays or deductibles may apply. Retroactive Medicaid can sometimes apply to past unpaid bills.
What if I have no insurance? Request an itemized bill and seek maximum discounts. Payment plans can help spread costs over time. Charity care programs may fully eliminate bills.
Ambulance transportation can rack up major medical expenses. Having insurance helps enormously. Review your coverage and EOBs to understand your responsibility. Seek financial assistance if needed. With the right approach, you can handle ambulance bills smoothly.
Access & Update Your Account Information / Make Payments:
| Service Date | Online Portal | Billing Customer Service Line |
|---|---|---|
| Services prior to August 1, 2022 | Access Portal Link | Call 888-980-9218 |
| Services after August 1, 2022 | Access Portal Link | Call 833-532-2237 |
You may also complete the insurance information on the billing invoice and mail to the address below. Payments can also be made with a personal check, cashiers check, or money order. Please make the check payable to: “San Francisco Fire Department” and include your account number on the memo line. Send the check to the address below. DO NOT SEND CASH.
Fees for Emergency Medical Services
The City and County of San Francisco assesses fees for the delivery of pre-hospital emergency medical care, in accordance with the current San Francisco Ordinance posted below. Although emergency services are performed by the San Francisco Fire Department, billing operations and the collection of fees are performed by a private billing company.
How to fight surprise ambulance bills
FAQ
How does ambulance billing work?
How much is an ambulance bill in CA?
How much does an ambulance cost in the US?
How do I pay my ambulance service bill online?
We strive to make the payment process as convenient as possible. You can securely pay your ambulance service bill online using our trusted payment portal. We are committed to providing transparent and compassionate care. Please review our Customer’s Bill of Rights to understand your rights and responsibilities.
What should you do if your ambulance bill is out-of-network?
Ambulance providers are often willing to cut a deal, such as 40% off in a person pays by the end of the day, said Kelmar, who advised putting such charges on a high-interest credit card. 3. Make sure the bill went through insurance. Even out-of-network, insurance plans would pay a portion akin to a negotiated rate, so make sure that has occurred.
How do you get patients to pay for ambulance services?
Negotiate. It can be hard to get patients to pay for ambulance services, so if a person is willing to cover even a portion, some companies are willing to bargain. “Talk about your financial situation, tell them, ‘I’m on this kind of budget, that I’ve been out of work X number of days’,” she said.
Who pays my ambulance Bill?
If you are bedridden, unconscious, bleeding heavily or have what appears to be a serious condition or injury, most of your ambulance bill will be paid by an insurer. Or some non-profits or charities may also offer financial aid to help pay ambulance bills for medical necessary transportation.
Who pays my ambulance bill if I’m underinsured?
If you have Medical Payments coverage, most of your ambulance costs are paid by your auto insurer. With an Underinsured Motorist clause, most of your ambulance bill is paid even if the other motorist has no liability coverage.
What should you do if you get hit with an ambulance Bill?
But when consumers do get hit with an exorbitant ambulance bill, there are several steps people should take, Kelmar told CBS MoneyWatch. 1. Get an itemized bill. That’s essential for identifying and potentially challenging individual charges.