LARGO, Fla. — A program available right now could save Pinellas County residents hundreds of dollars in the event they need to take an ambulance.
While it’s been around for years, Pinellas County is continuing to raise awareness about its annual membership program with Sunstar Paramedics as some local first responders say they’ve noticed health isn’t always a patient’s top concern.
“Often I do find patients are more concerned with the bill than getting the treatment and care they need,” says Jeannie Riccardi, a paramedic with Sunstar, who adds, “In a medical emergency, time is of the essence. We need to focus on getting them transported and caring for them.”
This program could ease worries. While the average cost of emergency ambulance transport is more than $900, according to Forbes, the annual membership costs $86 for an individual or $129 for a family. The plan covers the copay and deductible costs for emergency and medically necessary transports.
“The membership plan may cover 50% of the cost for medically-necessary trips denied for non-covered charges by your insurance company. Those who are uninsured will receive a 20% discount on medically-necessary ambulance transportation services,” the county said.
The coverage year begins April 1. Interested residents will need to fill out an application and send along a check or money order — learn more about the program here.
“[We] really want to encourage the residents — look at your insurance coverage. Look at emergency and non-emergency transports. Do you have a copay? Do you have a deductible? Do you have adequate coverage? And if not, this is a very low, low-cost membership program that may be of benefit to you or to your parents,” said Karen Peek, the training coordinator with Pinellas County Financial Services.
For many it could be a big benefit, St. Petersburg Resident Dianne Wood signed her elderly mom up for the program last month. Last year, her mom suffered two falls and had to be transported by ambulance a total of four times, two emergencies and two medical visits.
“At $86 for her, I would have saved over $700 had I known about the membership ahead of time,” Wood said.
Financially, it makes sense, as does peace of mind knowing there’s no problem if they ever need to call 911 again.
“I have friends that are also in the same situation and taking care of their parents or other family members and I made sure to tell all of them,” Wood added.