An ambulance ride can be urgent, necessary, and still leave you with a bill. Medicare coverage depends on why you needed transport, how you traveled, and where the ambulance took you.
Does Medicare Cover Ambulance Services?
Yes. Medicare Part B can cover medically necessary ambulance transportation when traveling in another vehicle could endanger your health. Emergency ambulance transportation is generally covered to the nearest appropriate medical facility.
Non-emergency ambulance transportation may also be covered when your doctor documents that it is medically necessary, such as when you are bed-confined or need medical monitoring during transport.
What You May Pay
With Original Medicare, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the Part B deductible. Medicare Advantage plans may have different copayments and prior authorization rules, so review your plan documents.
Ground and Air Ambulance Coverage
Ground ambulance transport is the most common type of covered service. Medicare may cover air ambulance transportation when ground transport cannot get you to needed care quickly enough or when your location cannot be reached easily by ground ambulance.
Before a Non-Emergency Ride
Ask the ambulance company whether it accepts Medicare assignment and whether your doctor must provide a written order. Keep records explaining why other transportation would endanger your health.
Get Help Reviewing Your Coverage
Medicare ambulance rules can vary by situation and plan. Contact The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services to schedule a no-charge review of your Medicare options.