I was charged $2,000 for a 4-mile ambulance trip, and my insurance paid $520. Now the EMS company wants me to pay the balance. I think the charges are ridiculous, and I wonder if they would write off the balance since they've gotten some money out of my insurer?
2007-07-28 16:37:03 · 5 answers · asked by Tanner 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
This will effect your credit if you blow them off. Ambulances are very expensive. With BC/BS and some other insurance companies, they cannot charge you more than they allow.
For instance, in AZ, they can charge you
Canyon State Ambulance $1,111.28 base plus $16.54 for mileage. On top of that, there is a waiting fee as well as fees for medical services.
Remember, you needed emergency transport and the ambulance was available. Who else did you have that could do all of that? Really, what was that worth to you? Many people are alive because of EMTs, the onsite meds and equipment.
Yes, it is expensive, and yes, feel free to question the charges, but remember you used the service, you benefited from the service and these people save lives daily.
2007-07-28 16:48:30 · answer #1 · answered by halestrm 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
my mom went through the same thing. except she didnt have insurance. they even charged her for each pair of glove used. Their expenses are outrageous, but unfortunately theres not much you can do if thats all your insurance will pay. someones got to pay the rest. you can try calling your insurance company and talking to someone about reconsidering the insurance claim to see if they will cover more of your ambulance charges. sometimes depending on the situation they are willing to extend the amount they are willing to pay to something thats more reasonable for you to pay. good luck and i hope it works out.
2007-07-28 23:49:34 · answer #2 · answered by Michelle E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The way to do this is call and ask for a discount. If they are not forth coming do not pay them a penny. Wait for about 60 dasy then call again and offer to pay a percentage. Say 20%. If they agree then ask for it in writing before you pay or pay in person and get a reciept paid in full. If they will not negotiate wait for the debit collector to call. Offer them 25% or less and if they agree get it in writing stating the agreed amount for full pay off. Never pay a penny until you have written agreement to a reduced amount or youwill end up being harassed for years. If the first debit collector will not agree wait anther will call soon enough. When one agrees and sends the written letter and you pay your credit is free and clear. I bet the EMS company will cave before 90 days are up. BTW did the insurance company discount your bill? Look at their paper work. If they did you do not owe the discounted amount because they have an agreement with the EMS folks.
2007-07-28 23:49:42 · answer #3 · answered by cold_fearrrr 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
what is you life worth -- is it worth $2000 maybe if you think of that way the bill will go down easier. part of the problem the fee is so high is deadbeats try to stick it to them after they have preformed the service. next time suggest you wait and contact three or four ambulance service and accept the low bid.
2007-07-31 11:32:15 · answer #4 · answered by mister ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can ask if they will negotiate. It is a hard deal because when you need one you don't have time to check prices, but they are all expensive since they need to keep a trained staff 24/7.
2007-07-28 23:47:33 · answer #5 · answered by shipwreck 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋