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Q: What is EMS?
A:
EMS
stands for Emergency Medical Services and is a part of
the emergency services provided by the Hebron Fire
Department. When you dial 9-1-1 for an emergency
medical issue, an EMS vehicle (ambulance) responds to
provide EMS care.
Q: Who is eligible
for EMS?
A:
Every
resident of the Village of Hebron and Union Twp. is
eligible to receive EMS response and care from the
Hebron Fire Department, along with anyone who works or
travels through the service area. In addition, the
Hebron Fire Department receives assistance from
surrounding fire departments to provide you with the
first available fire and EMS professionals.
Q:
What is
EMS
billing?
A:
EMS
billing occurs when the person who has a medical
emergency is transported to a hospital by EMS
personnel. The person’s health insurance provider,
Medicare, or Medicaid will be billed for the expenses
associated with the care and transport. The patient
should NOT receive a bill for this
service.
Q:
How will the third party reimbursement program affect
Hebron/Union Twp. Residents?
A:
As a
Hebron /Union Township resident,
you should not
receive a bill. The new billing program is designed to
collect reimbursement from private insurance companies,
Medicare, and Medicaid. However, federal regulations
may require Hebron to collect the deductible or co-pay
portion of the EMS fee from non-residents.
If a resident receives a bill, please call our business
line at (740) 928-4721 and the bill will be cancelled.
Q: If residents do not get a bill, what about
nonresidents?
A: Your
health insurance plan will be billed first. If
your health insurance company does not pay the full
bill, the remainder will be billed directly to you.
If you do not have health insurance, the entire bill
will be directed to you. Non-residents will
receive 3 bills within a 60-90 day period to meet
government requirements that we make a reasonable
attempt to collect unpaid balances.
Q: Will bills be turned over to a collection agency?
A: No,
whether you are a resident or nonresident, no unpaid
balances will be placed in the hands of a collection
agency. You will not receive threating calls or
letters.
Q:
Is the Hebron Fire Department the first to bill for EMS?
A:
No. In
fact, Hebron Fire Department is one of the last to seek
reimbursement for EMS. Departments in Licking County
who are currently billing for services are the City of
Heath and Newark.
Q:
Why bill for EMS? Doesn’t my taxes already pay for this
service?
A:
The
main reason for EMS billing is to help offset some of
the monies lost due to the State of Ohio eliminating the
Tangible Personal Property Tax. Hebron Fire Department
will lose thousands of dollars over the next few years
due to the elimination of this tax. By federal
law, anyone who has health insurance currently pays for
this service. However, this money has been going to the
hospitals or Insurance Companies. Now, the funds
will be generated back into the Hebron Fire Department.
The revenue will help increase staffing levels; insure
regular replacement and upgrades of EMS vehicles and
equipment.
Q:
Does my health insurance cover ambulance transportation?
A:
YES.
Both private and government health insurance plans
include provisions for ambulance transportation in the
event of an emergency.
Q:
What if I do not have health insurance?
A:
If you have an
emergency, call 9-1-1.
Taking care of your emergency is our first priority.
Always call 9-1-1 in an
emergency.
An ambulance will respond, regardless of your ability to
pay and whether or not you have health insurance.
NO ONE WILL EVER BE
DENIED SERVICE
due to a lack of health insurance.
Q:
Will I still be taken to the hospital of my choice?
A:
YES. However, due to circumstances
beyond the control of EMS, and the severity of your
emergency, our trained professionals will determine the
most appropriate hospital for your treatment.
Remember - If you have
an emergency, call 911! It doesn't matter whether
you have insurance or not. Patient care if our
first priority. |
