Working Caregiver- Medical Transport for Texas Seniors

Emergency ambulance service - Central Texas EMS

Who pays for ambulance & medical transport services, and how much is this gonna cost me?

Emergency ambulance service (when injury or illness is sudden) is generally covered by all insurance companies, including Medicare. The patient (or responsible party) is usually only responsible for any applicable co-pays.

Non-emergency transport generally includes the transfer by ambulance of a patient from a hospital back to a residence or nursing facility, to and from outpatient treatments or dialysis and to/from diagnostic testing. These transports will also generally be covered almost completely by insurance, but require some level of pre-authorization by the insurer.

Some ambulance services "accept full assignment", meaning that they take what the insurance pays and agree not to hold the patient/family responsible for the charges. Other ambulance services do not, and therefore may bill the patient/family for some or all of the charges.

Lastly, some patients are best transported in a wheelchair. This should be done via a specially designed vehicle with a trained operator to ensure that the patient is safely loaded and properly secured in the vehicle. Unfortunately these transports are generally not covered by any insurers. Wheelchair transports vary in cost from $35 - $100 each way.

In summary:

When possible, use an ambulance provider that accepts full assignment and does not bill the patient/family for services.
Be aware that while emergency service is almost always covered, non-emergency service may not be.
Wheelchair transport is a great, low-cost option for many patients. You should make sure the service provider is utilizing properly equipped vehicles and trained staff.

Central Texas Regional EMS

Ambulance and Medical Transport

866-404-0911