Will Medicare pay for transport fees?

Prince George’s County has contracted with a company to handle EMS transport fee billing. After patient services are provided, insurance information will be obtained routinely, most often at the hospital. Residents may receive an initial statement or a request for verification of insurance information from the billing company. For County resident who are uninsured, Prince George’s County has adopted alternative billing policies.

Charges for ambulance transport include: $500 for Basic Life Support transport, $650 for Advanced Life-1 Support transport and $750 for Advanced Life Support-2 transport. There is also a $12 per loaded transport mile - from pick-up point to the hospital for ground transport. There will be no charge if there is no transport.

All Department members have been trained on patient privacy and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These requirements will be strictly enforced and adhered to.

Patients transported that do not have health insurance will have the option of payment at a reduced rate or no payment based on a lack of ability to pay the bill.

There will be no additional charges for County resident with health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid. Patients who reside outside of the County will be billed for charges not covered by insurance.

Procedures and policies are the same regardless of the location of the emergency. County medical responders’ responsibility is to take care of the patient. Billing for transport services will be handled routinely after the patient’s needs are addressed.

The billing company will attempt to obtain information to show the medical necessity of your medical care. However, if the claim is ultimately rejected, the billing company will offer alternative payment options.

The program is scheduled for implementation on July 1, 2008.