When you are facing a health crisis, an ambulance ride can be a necessary evil. Unfortunately, the cost of an ambulance trip can vary significantly from city to city due to the lack of federal regulations. To understand why ambulance rides are so costly and what options you have for paying for them, read on. The cost of an ambulance ride may include fees such as mileage, fuel, and labor. Additionally, some health plans pay less than others for ambulance services, leaving patients with bills of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Fortunately, California recently passed a law that protects consumers from unexpected medical bills from out-of-network providers, including ambulance transport between hospitals. If you are worried about the cost of an ambulance ride in your area, you may be eligible for the AMR “compassionate care program”. This program is based on your financial and medical situation. To find out more about this program and the average cost of an ambulance ride in Irvine, California, contact your local health department.
