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popperprince Asked October 2016

I just found out my mother (88) has been paying a ambulance service for years. Why would she need to do that if Medicare covers it?

I looked in the Medicare Handbook and it clearly states that ambulance services are covered. She also has supplemental insurance. Even if Medicare only covered 80% her supplemental would cover that rest. She said she pays $1,000.00 per year and she deducts the premium on her taxes I just turned 65 and thought, wow, why would I pay for a ambulance service.

ASusan48 Oct 2016
I think I may know what's going on here, but hoping the OP will come back and enlighten us.

In our area, ambulances are not free, and we are billed for the ride and care provided by the EMTs. In my mother's case, Medicare paid their portion and Mom was billed the rest.

Several years ago, I recall seeing a flyer in the mail from our local ambulance company that offered a flat-rate service on an annual basis - you paid a certain amount every year, and whenever you needed an ambulance ride, you received it - no additional charge. Kind of a pre-paid ambulance service vs. a pay-as-you-ride plan.

Popperprince, could that possibly be what your mother is paying on? Would she have possibly started paying on this before becoming qualified for Medicare?

BarbBrooklyn Oct 2016
Who is she paying $1000. per year to? The local municipality? A private ambulance company? An insurance company?

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pamstegma Oct 2016
You said "premium". Obviously she chose to purchase ambulance insurance.

freqflyer Oct 2016
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/ambulance-services.html

I was wondering where your Mom lives, if there are fees for using the ambulance. Maybe everyone is charged $1k a year for ambulance/fire department services. And it is tax deductible.

Maybe in her area, too many use the ambulance service for non-emergency transportation.

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