PSA: Ambulance Rides Aren’t Always Free
In many areas, if an ambulance takes you to a hospital, you could be hooked on a huge medical bill – just for the trip.
Someone has to pay for the ambulances to work. Some municipalities still support ambulance services with taxpayer money, but others have dropped this funding. In such cases, the ambulance company will bill your insurance.
We are not suggesting that you avoid ambulances in a real emergency. Sometimes people end up in an ambulance because they think they have to, even if it’s not a fatal situation. Instead, consider asking if you really need a trip. You can politely refuse even if the ambulance is already in the driveway. Sometimes the paramedics will even suggest (after examining you) that your illness is mild enough that you can go to the hospital or emergency clinic yourself at a convenient time for you.
And if you have to travel, you can save on ambulance bills in many areas by paying for an ambulance pass. Here’s a typical program : If you pay $ 60 a year for a subscription, you don’t have to pay the $ 850 bill if you need an ambulance. They will still bill your insurance, but if a copay or deductible applies, which is often the case, they will forgive you for the costs, so it’s free to you.
Think ER is expensive? Just see how much it costs to get there | The newspaper “New York Times
Photo from Seattle Municipal Archives .
Vitals is a new blog from Lifehacker dedicated to health and fitness. Follow us on Twitter here .