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LifeStar Ambulance is a predominantly non-emergency ambulance transportation company, and in the event that you should need our services, there are a few things you should know about your insurance and ambulance transportation coverage. 1. I have health insurance. Doesn't that cover ambulance and/or wheelchair van transportation? 2. Doesn't Medicare cover the cost of ambulance transportation? 3. I was transported by a wheelchair van and received a bill. I have Medicare so why am I being billed for this transportation service? 4. I donate to my local volunteer fire department and I am considered a "club member." Won't this cover me in case I need ambulance transportation? 5. While on vacation with my family, I had a medical emergency and needed to be hospitalized. Why am I getting a bill? Question #1: I have health insurance. Doesn't that cover ambulance and/or wheelchair van transportation? Answer #1: Although many private insurance companies cover the cost of medical transportation, specifically non-emergency ambulance transportation, they may only cover a portion of the cost. The remainder of the bill may be up to your secondary insurance if you have it or you may be responsible for the co-pay. Question #2: Doesn't Medicare cover the cost of ambulance transportation? Answer #2: Yes, Medicare does cover the cost of ambulance transportation. However, a patient must meet strict medical guidelines in order for the ambulance company to be reimbursed. Medicare will only pay for transportation to the closest facility that can treat you. This may not be your hospital of choice or the hospital where your doctor practices. Question #3: I was transported by a wheelchair van and received a bill. I have Medicare so why am I being billed for this transportation service? Answer #3: Patients who have Medicare as their primary insurance are often surprised to find out that Medicare does not pay for wheelchair van transportation. These patients, unless their secondary insurance covers this type of service, are responsible for the bill. Fortunately, wheelchair van transportation is less expensive than ambulance transportation. (Check out www.medicare.gov) Question #4: I donate to my local volunteer fire department and I am considered a "club member." Won't this cover me in case I need ambulance transportation? Answer #4: Many people donate to the volunteer fire departments as "club members." This donation typically only covers you for emergency transportation when you dial 911. Discharges from the hopsital, transportation to rehabilitation, cancer, or dialysis centers are not usually covered in these donations. Question #5: While on vacation with my family, I had a medical emergency and needed to be hospitalized. Why am I getting a bill? Answer #5: Check your health insurance coverage to see if ambulance transportation is covered in the unfortunate event that you or your loved one might need care while away from home. We all prefer to be treated by our hometown doctors but many insurance companies only pay a portion of the cost to get you home. Medicare will only cover to the closest facility that can treat you. If you have a supplemental insurance, then we can bill that company for any remainders. However, the patient is ulitmately responsible for the cost of the transport. You should inquire about your insurance coverage.