Emergency medical services can be expensive, and navigating the billing process can be challenging. For example, ground ambulance services average $2,000 per trip, while an air ambulance flight can average $69,000.1 These costs can be influenced by factors such as distance, the level of medical care provided, and the type of transportation.
If you’re a MASA member, your coverage can shield you from emergency medical transportation bills. But what about those other medical bills? We’ve created a guide to help you understand how medical billing works and what you can do to help lower or eliminate those costs. Here’s how you can approach negotiating medical bills.
Prepare your strategy:
Review your bill carefully
Thoroughly review your bill to ensure all charges are accurate. Look for and note any errors on your bill, such as duplicate charges or services that were not provided.
Check your insurance coverage
Before negotiating, understand what your insurance covers and what it doesn’t. Reach out to your insurance company to confirm the details of your coverage and determine how much of the bill they will pay. You can contact most insurance companies via their toll-free customer service phone number, their app, or their online portal. Carefully compare your bill to your insurer’s plan documentation, such as an explanation of benefits (EOB), and note any discrepancies.
Contact the service provider
Speak with the ambulance company or emergency medical provider directly. Request an itemized statement and ask about their policy on negotiating bills. Search online for information about the billing codes listed on your bill, so you can understand what services and supplies the codes represent.
Research comparable prices
Use the Hospital Cost and Utilization Project databases to search for comparable prices or contact other local providers and ask what they charge.
Now, you’re ready to negotiate:
Negotiate the amount
Be polite but firm. If you can pay promptly, offer to pay a lump sum that is lower than the total amount due or request a discount. It’s worth it to ask if the provider has a financial assistance program, especially if you can demonstrate financial hardship.
Advice from our MASA claims team
Consumers can maybe receive a discount if they choose to self-pay — which is when you pay the provider directly without involving a health insurance company. Most providers often put consumers on an installment plan. Some providers will offer to take a percentage off the bill, especially for larger bills. Providers typically do not fully dismiss the bill, so you’ll always have to pay a portion.
Appeal and dispute
If your initial attempts at negotiation are unsuccessful, consider filing a formal appeal or dispute. Provide evidence of any errors or issues with your billing and submit a written appeal to the provider or insurance company.
Need financial aid?
Research financial assistance programs
Look into any available financial assistance programs that might help cover emergency medical costs. For example, if you are Medicaid-eligible, depending upon your state, you could access retroactive coverage.
Hospitals and ambulance services often have charity care programs or sliding scale fees based on income. Some states have charity care laws that actually require hospitals to provide free or discounted care to patients meeting certain requirements or based on income.
Seek help from a patient advocate
You may also want to consider finding a patient advocate. A patient advocate could help you apply for financial assistance and connect you to more resources.
Negotiating emergency medical claims can be a viable option for reducing the financial burden of unexpected medical emergencies. By closely reviewing your bill, understanding your insurance coverage, and directly engaging with service providers, you may be able to lower your expenses or arrange a manageable payment plan.
And remember, if you’re a MASA member, you already have the most useful tool you can have to ensure your protected from out-of-pocket emergency medical transportation costs. Your MASA coverage protects you from unexpected ambulance bills and connects you with care services for your post-emergency needs. When you receive your medical transit bill, skip the negotiation steps and submit it through our member portal, then we’ll pay your claim.
1: MASA Internal Data, Updated February 2023
