Costs of Service

Thank you for using the Hillsborough Rescue Squad - it was our pleasure to serve you.
​Please accept our wishes for a speedy recovery from your illness or injury.

​The Hillsborough Rescue Squad provides emergency medical and rescue services to nearly 40,000 residents in Hillsborough Township 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  We also stand by at many public events in the township.  This level of service is not without costs, and it's a common misconception that ambulance transportation is a free public service. In fact many people believe that taxes pay for ambulance service - however they actually pay for fire service.

Medicare and private insurance generally cover the cost of ambulance service, but they rely on medical necessity when determining reimbursement.  ​Ambulance trips are considered medically necessary in cases of a sudden emergency or when your health is in serious danger and time is crucial.  If you are not covered by medical insurance, please pay the bill.
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PAY MY BILL


​Frequently Asked Questions

I just received my ambulance bill. What should I do now?
If you are covered by medical insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or are a member of an HMO, please provide information about your coverage on the back of the ambulance bill, sign the bill, and return it to our office. We will bill your insurance carrier. If there is a balance still due after your insurance carrier responds to us, we will send you a revised bill.

Will Medicare pay for Ambulance transport services?
​Medicare will pay 80 percent of the approved amount. However, co-payments may apply.

What if my insurance company will not cover my ambulance transport bill?
Our billing vendor, will attempt to gain all information required to show the medical necessity of the transport. If the claim is denied, the vendor will check the claim for errors and resubmit if necessary. If the claim is ultimately rejected by the insurance company, the vendor will send a statement to the patient.

If I call for emergency medical service and I am not transported will I be charged?
​No. There is no fee for care rendered where there is no transport.

Do I need proof of insurance before EMS will transport me? 
No. Emergency medical services and transport will be provided in the same way it has always been. Billing activities will be performed after any medical treatment has been provided and the emergency has been stabilized.
What is a Notice of Privacy Practice?
The Notice of Privacy Practice, is a statement that is left with the patient or their relatives that describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed. It also fully explains how the patient can gain access to their medical information.

​Why do the EMTs or paramedics request my signature?
Medicare requires up to three types of documentation known as an Authorization Of Benefits (AOB) to submit an insurance claim for EMS transport. The patient will be asked to sign the AOB form in order to bill the insurance company, and that the patient received a Notice for Privacy Practice which will be left with them. This form is the same type of form that a patient would sign when being seen at a doctor’s office. If the patient is unable to sign the AOB another family member may be asked to sign the form. The form may be in an electronic format on a computer or in paper form.

How will my privacy be protected? 
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) ensures patient information is protected.
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