For City of Columbus residents, the ambulance transport bill goes directly to third-party payers. Third party payers include Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance companies.
For those who do not live in the City of Columbus, the initial ambulance transport revenue recovery bill goes directly to a third-party payer, if available. If Medicare, Medicaid, or a private health insurer does not pay the bill, the individual is "balance billed"
The patient can also assign a Representative by completing this medical authorization form and having the Representative come to our office with picture ID and this authorization form completed and notarized.
As stated above, you may receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance carrier... remember, this is not a bill. Your insurance carrier may or may not reimburse The Columbus Division of Fire for the full fee, but rest assured you are not responsible for this difference if you live in the City of Columbus. However, any patient transported to a hospital that is not a resident of the City of Columbus will be responsible for all "out of pocket" expenses regardless or whether or not health insurance coverage exists.
The city has made provisions for financial hardship, however, and will work with low-income individuals who do not have insurance as such cases arise. It must be stressed that no on who calls 911 will ever by denied treatment or transport.