Due to the rising cost of providing emergency medical services to patients, the City has begun EMS billing to recover costs incurred by billing the patient’s insurance company.
What is an EMS fee?
A fee is charged for patients transported to a hospital facility by the fire division emergency medical vehicle.
How is the fee billed?
The patient’s insurance company or Medicare (if applicable) will be directly billed.
Will I receive a bill?
Yes. The insurance company or Medicare is directly billed. However, you may receive up to 2 bills, a statement, or an RFI (request for information) letter in the mail. There is contact information listed on these documents from which you can request information.
Will I receive a bill for my insurance co-pay?
Yes. However, it is the City’s policy that no resident be responsible for EMS Services. See above.
Will I receive a bill if I don’t have insurance?
Yes. However, it is the City’s policy that no resident be responsible for EMS Services. See above
Will this fee raise the cost of my insurance?
No. The Ohio Revised Code requires insurance companies to have provisions in their policy coverage for ambulance transports. Medicare and Medicaid also have required provisions for ambulance transportation fees. Thus residents have been paying for ambulance transportation services in their insurance premiums even if the fee was not previously collected.
If I do not have insurance, will my level of care be affected?
No. This will not affect the level of care or priority of treatment in any way. You will be treated and transported regardless of whether or not you have insurance.
If residents have any questions concerning the ambulance billing policy, they are encouraged to contact the Fire Division at 937-535-1132.