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Saturday, September 10, 2016

Ambulance Fees Will Not Be Increased

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. September 7, 2016.  Kim Wilson, Rich County Ambulance, said that as of July 1, the County could increase ambulance rates to $933 per run from $700.  Wilson said that the Utah Ambulance Association noted that Rich County rates were the lowest in state. Not only that but Rich County has some of the longest runs in the state.
   
Wilson recommended leaving the rate as it is now but that it may change later.  She said, “So many areas have hospitals within a 20 minute range but we don’t.”  The ambulance drive to Logan about an hour away and then they have to drive back which makes an ambulance run about 2 ½ hours long.  In the summer, the ambulances run all day long.


There is no charge for an ambulance if they don’t transport.  The ambulance pays Medicare $30 per ambulance run whether or not the patient is on Medicare.   In addition to the $700 there is a $30 a mile charge.  Some insurances pay for ambulance service and others do not.  Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers ambulance services to or from a hospital, critical access hospital (CAH), or skilled nursing facility (SNF). Medicare covers and helps pay for ambulance services only when other transportation could endanger your health, like if you have a health condition that requires this type of transportation. But it may not pay for all of the ambulance costs.

The Commissioners voted to not raise ambulance fees.

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