Without going into a lot of details, I was injured while hunting that required both EMS/Ambulance services. They took me to a waiting helicopter. Since the call were initiated and dispatched through 911, everything happened at once.
At any rate my insurance company did not cover all of the cost of the helicopter ride. I spoke with Ripcord about their insurance. Everything needs to be coordinated through them. I can see where that would work, but not in the situation I described.
Does any one know of a policy of this nature?
Terry
Thanks
But I just got a bill from the first hospital I was taken to. Says I have a co-payment of 4,000+. Looks like it is for the first 6 vials of anti-venom I got there. That’s strange since there was NO co-payment from the other hospital where I got the remaining 24 vials. Looks like I will be calling them to straighten this out!
FWIW.......I have a small, waterproof Personal Locator Beacon/ELT registered to me I keep on my boat. When I'm out in deep woods/bush by myself I have that with me in case I get in a fix someone can find me or my carcass.
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The second option is supplemental insurance which will (to varying degrees) cover you for the costs of air rescue (if applicable), air or ground transport to primary or secondary hospitals, and related medical costs associated with the event...again, to varying degrees.
I'm interested to hear additional info. I'm actively looking at options and currently unsure.
Accident & Sickness Medical Expense $100,000 Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation $1,000,000
Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation: If you are on your trip and you require medical evacuation or medical assistance to return home or to a hospital near your home, you must immediately call the assistance company at the number shown below. These services must be pre-authorized
I've been in the medevac helicopter industry for almost 10 years. I sell an employee benefit called MASA. Our website is MASAMTS.com We're a membership service that covers every ambulance & every helicopter service in the US, and we provide a world wide repatriation service (Fly you back home in the event you're hospitalized away from home.) We'll fly your family back home too, and get your vehicle (and camper/boat if applicable.) We even do non-emergency specialty flights. This is worldwide coverage. It's a yearly program, so it's designed for everyday life and for any type of travel. It is family coverage too.
This service is available on our website, but it is significantly cheaper through me. I'm NOT trying to upset bowsite, by talking about a service I sell. So I apologize if this isn't allowed...just trying to help some bowsiters….I'll help you guys with the emergency medical if someone will teach me how to elk hunt lol. Glad to answer questions...thx
In most cases the decision to use an air ambulance is made by the first responders-911. You are not even part of the decision making process. Yet, you may be responsible to pay the bill. Since air ambulances providers are not usually part of any medical provider network, the bills can be quite high.
My story parallels Rut Nut's story. I was severely injured in a treestand fall and was air lifted to a trauma center. The bill for the ride was $45,000. I had very good insurance, and they covered it. But, they only paid $6,000, leaving the remainder for me.
This is a huge hole in your medical insurance coverage that you can easily plug. Like most insurances, you get it hoping that you never need it.
Thanks guys.
I carry my EPIRB from my boat also and my EPI Pen. I'm allergic to yellow jackets and hornets and they seem to like fresh ELK meat.
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Keep in mind that LifeMed membership (above) is NOT insurance. It is membership with LifeMed and the cost of an air ambulance is only covered if it's their ambulance which flies you. If you (or someone else) can't communicate that to a first responder or the ER staff, they might request a different air ambulance and you'll be responsible for paying whatever your insurance doesn't cover.
It appears the only way to completely protect yourself from out-of-pocket costs is with an actual backup insurance policy specific to air rescue, medevac, ambulances and related medical care. Anyone with better knowledge on this is free to correct me and I'll appreciate it.
There are differences to be aware of between these policies. Many, like LifeMed, you have to use their services, and/or they have to coordinate the response effort. I looked at LifeMed's website, and it appears that it does not include 911 emergency calls. That was not the focus of my initial inquiry. My inquiry dealt with an everyday benefit to pick up the difference between what my insurance company pays and the amount of the actual bill under all medically necessary circumstances no matter who calls for the service.
For example, 911 EMT responders call helicopter transport to the scene of an accident or medical emergency. I can see circumstances where you may have a choice, but I can also see circumstances where you may not. The search and rescue policies seem to be a different policy than what I wanted or needed.
Read and understand the policy terms and pick one that best suits your needs or desires.
However, a lot has to do with how things are coded for billing. I have a $4,000 co-pay for the initial 6 vials of anti-venom I received at the first hospital. The other 24 vials I got at the second hospital were covered 100% with no(zero) co-pay. When I questioned them on the difference they told me it was all in how it was coded. The first hospital visit was coded as an “Emergency Room Visit” and the second hospital was coded as a “hospital stay”, thus the difference.
So the GOOD news is I met my $5,000 deductible for “Catastrophic Injury” so I will have no(zero) co-pays from now on related to this injury. The BAD news is I now owe a $5,000 deductible! : (
Of course I would owe a LOT more now had I not had insurance.............
The best option is something that covers your copay and deductible your health insurance doesn't cover.
The reason helicopter flights are so expensive is b/c most are out-of-network with most health insurances...if that's the case, your insurance will pay "something", usually the Medicare rate, which is exactly what happened in EMB's situation, as he stated above, leaving the patient with the big bill. And, even if in network, you could still have your co-pay & deductible to pay, which could be thousands too...
Also, when an insurance says they pay 80%, it could mean they pay 80% of what THEY think it should cost, not what it actually cost. They use the term "Reasonable & Customary". Example. Helicopter company charges 45K per flight...insurance pays 80% of what THEY deem it should cost...They could say it "should" cost 30K...They'll pay 80% of 30K, which is 24K. Guess who gets to pay the balance?...
There are other services that are tied to the provider, and are great services, but you have to use their company, or you're out of luck. Tough to pick who comes to help you...
Emergency calls/911 calls--with my company, we want you to call 911, not us! We don't want to slow down the process! Use whoever the 911 service will send you, get help and then get with us about the expenses...
The only time you would call us first, if you're already in a hospital and stable, and want to use the Repatriation services to be flown back to a "home" hospital...or one of the other "after the emergency" services we provide.
My program is $468 per year or $39 month. It's meant to be a year round service you own for everyday life, for you & your family, not just for trips, but's its a great idea to have if you're taking a hunting trip too. They average helicopter or ambulance run is normally close to your home...
PM me if I can help you...again just trying to help bowsiters....no offense taken if you would like another service, and no offense taken if you stay healthy and safe either! God bless.
