Ambulance services are meant to transport emergency and non-emergency patients to a hospital, critical care facility, or Skilled Nursing Facility. These services can be expensive, and can require specific conditions to qualify for an ambulance ride. Many Medicare eligible citizens wonder if Medicare covers this cost.
Does Medicare Cover Ambulance Services?
Emergency Ambulance Services: Medicare Part B will partially cover emergency ambulance ground and air services if you meet certain qualifications (you pay 20% and the Part B deductible of $240) such as: you are in shock, bleeding heavily, and/or need medical treatment while transported to a facility. Air services are partially covered if there is a lot of traffic or if it would be difficult for ground transportation to reach you.
Non-Emergency Ambulance Services: Medicare will partially cover non-emergency ambulance ground services (you pay 20% and the Part B deductible of $240) if ALL of these apply:
- Ambulance transportation is needed to obtain treatment or diagnose your health condition.
- The use of any other transportation method (car, taxi, subway) could endanger your health.
- You have a written order from your doctor stating that ambulance transportation is necessary.
Does Medigap Cover Ambulance Services?
Yes, all Medigap plans cover all or part of your emergency and non-emergency Medicare Part B coinsurance. However, remember only Medigap “C” and “F” cover your Part B deductible. Check out Medigap’s Most Popular Plans.
Does Medicare Advantage Cover Ambulance Services?
Yes, Medicare Advantage (MA) partially covers ambulance services, but your cost can vary. The thing to remember with MA plans is that each plan offered in your area varies in coverage, so what this means is each plan can charge a different amount for ambulance services.
For more information about about what Medicare covers contact one of our licensed agents at 800-930-7956.