![]() Private membership programs, such as Life Flight, require an annual membership fee not covered by Medicare. Air ambulances may be helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft, such as airplanes. If you require emergency medical treatment and can’t be transported to an appropriate medical facility via ground transportation, Medicare may cover 80 percent of the Medicare-approved cost of an air ambulance service. Ambulance companies may bill you for services, even if you’re not given or don’t sign an ABN. Your signature on an ABN is never required in an emergency. If you don’t sign the ABN, the ambulance company may decide not to transport you. If you sign an ABN and incur charges that Medicare won’t pay, you’ll be responsible for paying for that ambulance ride. It’s up to you to decide if you wish to sign the ABN. In a nonemergency situation, your ambulance company may provide you with a form called an Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-Coverage (ABN) so they can charge you if they think Medicare may not pay for your transportation. If you’re hearing or speech impaired and use a TTY device, call 87. To see the specific rules for nonemergency ambulance transportation requirements in your state, call 800-MEDICARE (80). These requirements vary from state to state. ![]() In some instances, you may need prior authorization and approval, either from you or from the ambulance company, before Medicare will pay. There may be a limit on the number of ambulance rides that Medicare will cover per week or per month for nonemergency transportation. If you have a condition that requires regular, nonemergency transportation in an ambulance, you may need an order from your doctor indicating why you need this service in order for Medicare to pay. However, if there is a medical necessity that requires you go to a facility outside your local area, Medicare will usually pay for that service. If you wish to go to a facility farther away, you may occur additional charges. Medicare typically covers 80 percent of the cost of transportation to the nearest, appropriate medical facility located near you. The cost of your ambulance will only be covered by Medicare if transportation in a nonemergency vehicle, such as a car or taxi, would endanger your health. When does Medicare cover ambulance service?
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