Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should I become a subscriber to Shaler-Hampton EMS?
A. Your paid subscription can save you hundreds of dollars! Subscribers receive a 50% discount on any out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, co-payments, etc.) related to medically necessary emergency ambulance service to the closest appropriate medical facility. If you do not have health insurance, 50% of the total bill will be forgiven.
Shaler-Hampton EMS will submit a bill to your insurance company. Insurance payments are then applied to your balance. Once all insurance payments are applied, subscribers receive a 50% discount on any remaining out of-pocket expenses for emergency ambulance services. The subscriber discount is applied no matter how frequently you require medically necessary emergency ambulance service.
Shaler-Hampton EMS will also provide up to five (5) free lift assists per subscription year for subscribers who need assistance going to or from medical appointments. If help is needed out of and into your home, this will count as 2 lift assists.
Q. I thought Shaler-Hampton EMS wrote off 100% of my co-payment and/or deductible amounts?
A. Unfortunately, due to rising insurance copayments and deductibles, Shaler-Hampton EMS can no longer afford to write off the entire amount. Most EMS agencies made this change some years ago. While we have resisted making this change in past years, it is not financially sound to continue with a 100% write off. When we started the subscription program, write off amounts were significantly less than $100 per trip. Today those amounts are often hundreds of dollars in co-pays or deductibles – or in the case of high deductible plans that are becoming more popular every year, the entire bill.
Q. What is the subscription period?
A. Shaler-Hampton EMS paid subscriptions are valid from April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021, and your subscription will become active when your payment is received via our website (fastest and preferred) or check. Subscriptions cannot be prorated.
Q. Do I need a subscription if I have health insurance?
A. Yes! Most insurance companies do not pay 100% of total ambulance charges. In fact, most insurance plans require that you pay a co-payment and/or deductible and these charges have increased significantly in recent years. There has also been a significant increase in high deductible insurance plans that can leave the entire bill as your responsibility. Your subscription assures that you will receive a 50% discount on any of these out-of-pocket expenses – when related to emergency ambulance service provided by Shaler-Hampton EMS. Non-subscribers are often responsible for full payment of any and all applicable ambulance charges, which can exceed $1,000.00, and often do.
Q. What should I do if my insurance company sends me a check for payment of services provided by Shaler-Hampton EMS?
A. All recipients of service are required to immediately endorse and forward any and all reimbursement received to Shaler-Hampton EMS. Failure to do so will result in the immediate termination of any subscription agreement and you will be held responsible for payment of all outstanding balances.
Q. What is NOT covered by a subscription?
A. Your subscription does not cover non-emergency transports. Also, Shaler-Hampton EMS does not have a wheelchair van; therefore, wheelchair van service is not covered by your subscription.