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What is the cost of An Ambulance Ride

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedNovember 11, 2024

Ambulance ride costs can be unpredictable, with about 28% of emergency ground transport costs for those with commercial insurance between 2014-2017 leading to unexpected bills.

Charges vary depending on base rates, distance, type of service (emergency vs. non-emergency), and whether the transport occurs in an urban or rural area. Out-of-network services are common, often leading to unexpected fees and added financial pressure.

In this article, we will list ambulance services by state to help you reach local providers and ask about rates, helping you prepare for potential emergency costs.

Factors Influencing Ambulance Ride Costs

The cost of an ambulance ride is not fixed. Several factors can affect how much a patient will ultimately pay for the service. These include:

  • Base rate
  • Mileage
  • Whether the area is urban or rural
  • Whether the service is classified as emergency or non-emergency

Source: BetterCare

Base Rate and Mileage Charges

The base rate for an ambulance ride is the standard charge for providing the service. It usually includes the:

  • Dispatch of the ambulance
  • Ride itself
  • Some of the immediate medical care provided en route

This base rate can vary widely depending on the:

  • Ambulance company
  • Location
  • Level of care provided during transport

For example, advanced life support (ALS) services have varying base rates, from $661.50 in North Carolina to $2,407 in California.

Beyond the base rate, mileage charges are added depending on the distance the ambulance travels. These charges are calculated per mile, and the rate can range between $10 and $30. For instance, Pinellas County, Florida, charges $13 per loaded mile, with a base rate of $1,007.

Urban vs. Rural Ambulance

Costs differ between urban and rural regions. In urban areas, ambulance providers generally operate within smaller service regions, often around 20 square miles or less, which allows for higher transport volumes and faster response times. For example, in major cities like New York City, the base rate for ambulance services can exceed $2,480.

Conversely, rural areas have lower base rates but higher mileage charges due to longer distances traveled. For instance, it is typical for ambulances in rural areas to travel 30 miles or more to the nearest hospital, which can substantially increase the final bill.

Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Rides

The type of ambulance ride directly affects the cost, whether for an emergency or non-emergency.

Emergency

Emergency ambulance services are more expensive, typically involving urgent medical conditions and advanced care. According to reports, around 71% of all ambulance rides involve potential surprise bills, with emergency services often leading to out-of-network charges.

The cost of ground ambulance services varies, and patients could face out-of-pocket expenses of $450 for in-network rides, depending on the state.

Non-emergency

Non-emergency rides, often used for scheduled patient transfers or for individuals who require supervision during transport, are generally less expensive.

However, ground ambulances have the highest rate of out-of-network billing in the country, and non-emergency services can still result in sizable charges depending on whether the ambulance provider is in-network or out-of-network.

Ambulance Ride Costs

Ambulance ride costs can differ widely across states, influenced by each state’s healthcare system, regulations, and market conditions.

State-Specific Pricing Examples

Here are examples of ambulance base rate costs from various states to illustrate how pricing can differ across the country:

  • California: $1,772 (La Jolla)
  • Illinois: $1,200 (Chicago)
  • Ohio: $500 (Cleveland)
  • Texas: $1,065 (Longview)
  • New York: $2,480 (New York City)
  • Oklahoma: $1,300 (Oklahoma City)
  • Arizona: $860 (Phoenix), $1,105 (Tucson)
  • Florida: $1,007 (Pinellas County) + $13 per loaded mile
  • Washington: $950 (Seattle)

Additional Costs and Fees Associated with Ambulance Services

In addition to the base rate and mileage charges, patients should be prepared for extra fees that may apply to ambulance services. These fees often include costs for medical equipment and staffing required during transport.

Medical Equipment and Staffing Fees

The use of medical equipment during an ambulance ride can significantly increase the total cost, especially when advanced life-support measures are necessary. Some standard fees include:

  • Oxygen
  • Cardiac monitoring
  • Intravenous (IV) therapy

Staffing costs also vary, depending on the level of care provided. If advanced care is provided, such as by paramedics, the total bill can increase by several hundred dollars due to the specialized care.

Find Ambulance Services

For an accurate estimate, it's recommended that individuals contact the ambulance service directly to inquire about their rates. Below is a list of some ambulance services you can contact for assistance.

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Wrap Up

The cost of an ambulance ride depends on several factors, including base rates, mileage, and whether the transport is for emergency or non-emergency purposes.

Urban areas tend to have higher base rates, while rural regions may charge more for longer distances. Additionally, unexpected out-of-network charges can lead to surprise bills, particularly in emergency situations.

FAQs About Ambulance Ride Costs

Does Medicare cover ambulance services?

Yes, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers ground ambulance transportation when necessary, meaning that using any other form of transportation could endanger your health. Medicare will cover ambulance services to or from a hospital, critical access hospital, rural emergency hospital, or skilled nursing facility.

Are there any protections against surprise ambulance bills?

Currently, the No Surprises Act (NSA) does not cover ground ambulance services, but 18 states have laws providing some level of protection against surprise ambulance bills. The Advisory Committee on Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing has recommended expanding these protections federally.

Can you choose which hospital the ambulance takes you to?

Generally, paramedics will transport you to the nearest emergency room capable of handling your medical condition. Sometimes, a more distant hospital may be chosen based on specific medical needs, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis.

References