ACA and Ambulance Coverage: What Non-Insured Patients Should Know
Ambulances are essential emergency services, but for uninsured patients, they can also be a major financial burden. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) addressed this issue, but changes made under the Trump administration have left many uninsured patients vulnerable to costly ambulance bills.
ACA Insurance and Ambulance Coverage
Prior to the ACA, ambulance services were not covered by insurance for many people. The ACA required that all new health insurance plans cover ambulance services, and it prohibited insurers from charging copayments or deductibles for these services.
Trump Administration Changes
In 2017, the Trump administration repealed the ACA provision that required insurance to cover ambulance rides. This means that uninsured patients are now responsible for the full cost of ambulance services, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
What to Do If You’re Uninsured and Need an Ambulance
If you need an ambulance and do not have insurance, there are a few things you can do to reduce the cost:
Request a Financial Counselor: Most ambulance companies have financial counselors who can help you apply for financial assistance programs or negotiate a payment plan.
Dispute the Bill: If you believe that the ambulance bill is inaccurate or excessive, you can dispute it with the ambulance company. You may need to provide documentation to support your claim.
Seek Legal Help: If you are unable to resolve the issue with the ambulance company, you may need to consider legal action.
Conclusion
Ambulance services are an essential part of our healthcare system, but for uninsured patients, they can be a major financial burden. The ACA addressed this issue, but changes made under the Trump administration have left many uninsured patients vulnerable to costly ambulance bills. If you need an ambulance and do not have insurance, it is important to understand your rights and explore all of your options for reducing the cost of these services.
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