Frequently Asked Questions - EMS

Why should I become a member?  Your paid membership can save you hundreds of dollars.  For covered emergency services the amount paid by insurance will be accepted as a payment in full.  If no benefits are available, members will receive a 40% discount of the normal fees.  Non-members are billed 100% of the charges for emergency services rendered.

How much does it cost for a membership?  For a single member, the cost is $65 per year; a family membership is $80 per year. Memberships are valid for one year from date of receipt.

Who is eligible to become a member?   Any person whose residence is in Pope County.  Family memberships include the head of the household, spouse, and unmarried children under the age of 22 living in the household.  Insured or non-insured may become members.

What types of services are included in the membership program?  Emergency transports where you and/or a family member have sustained injury, sudden illness, or trauma, and the need for the immediate medical attention of a doctor at a hospital emergency room exists.  Non-emergency medical transports (i.e. no sudden injury, illness, or trauma requiring the immediate medical attention of a doctor at the hospital emergency room) that is physician authorized and/or has a completed Physician Certification Statement (PCS) form.

How will Pope County EMS work with my insurance company for services rendered?  Pope County EMS will file a claim with the member's insurance company for emergency ambulance transports. If the service is covered by your insurance company, the amount paid by the insurance company will be accepted as payment in full and the member will not be billed for co-pay or co-insurance.

I have health insurance. Do I still need a membership?  Yes. A membership with Pope County EMS means that your co-pays and co-insurances are covered on emergency transportations. When medically necessary, ambulances are typically covered by insurance. Insurance companies review and consider the need for an ambulance the way they would for any other medical expense. As a member, those emergent transports not covered by insurance would receive a 40% discount on services rendered. Be sure to check your health insurance benefits to find out if and when such emergency transportation would be covered.

I have Medicare or Medicare HMO. Will a membership benefit me?  If Medicare or Medicare HMO determines ambulance transportation was not medically necessary, the member will only be responsible to pay the "allowable" amount (this is the amount Medicare or Medicare HMO approved to be paid, not the full ambulance transportation charge.

If I have Medicare and a supplemental policy, do I need a membership?  The answer varies depending on the nature of your transport and your supplemental insurance provider.  In many cases, Medicare and the supplemental insurance coverage should pay for the cost of transport if it is medically necessary and if Medicare believes you were taken to the closest appropriate hospital.  However, we have seen cases where the supplemental insurance provider does not cover a remaining balance after Medicare has paid its portion.  Many seniors have said they want a membership even if they have complete coverage, in the event that their insurance coverage changes in the future or if the claim is denied.  Often times supplemental insurance won't pay if your primary denies.  In those situations, membership is very beneficial.

If I have Medicaid, do I need a membership?  No.  Some state laws prohibit Medicaid beneficiaries from being offered membership or accepted into membership programs.  As part of our application process, members certify to Pope County EMS that they are not Medicaid beneficiaries, with Pope County EMS accepting Medicaid as full payment for services rendered.

I received a check from my insurance company for services rendered. What should I do with it?  You must forward reimbursement received from your insurance company to Pope County EMS to be applied to your account.

Will I receive a membership card in the mail?  No. Your information will be stored in our database and there is no need to provide a card to show proof of your membership for services.  You will receive a membership decal to be placed on your vehicle.

What information do I need to become a member?  You will need to provide Pope County EMS with the following information:

• Residential address and mailing address
• Email address
• Phone
• Name and date of birth for all permanent qualified household residents
• Credit card or checking account information

Click here to join online.
Make your payment for membership online using your E-Check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit/debit card.
*Please allow 24-72 hours for payment processing.

Or click HERE to download and print an application form to mail or deliver in person.