How to Negotiate an Ambulance Bill

Ambulance bills are a major source of surprise medical charges. The average ground ambulance ride costs $1,200 for insured patients and $2,600 for uninsured patients, while Medicare pays just $480. Unlike many other medical services, ground ambulance services are not covered by the No Surprises Act, though air ambulance services are protected.

When reviewing your ambulance bill, verify the level of service. Advanced Life Support (ALS) is more expensive than Basic Life Support (BLS) and may not be justified for every transport. Check the mileage charges, as some ambulance companies add $25-50 per mile on top of the base rate. Verify the total mileage is accurate.

Many ambulance services are operated by municipalities or fire departments and have financial hardship programs that are separate from hospital charity care. Call the ambulance provider and ask about their financial assistance policy. Many will offer payment plans or reduced rates for patients who cannot afford the bill.

BillDelete creates negotiation letters specific to ambulance billing that reference Medicare reimbursement rates, challenge the level of service if appropriate, and request financial assistance from the ambulance provider. These letters are particularly effective because ambulance providers deal with high default rates and prefer negotiation over non-payment.