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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