When does Medicare cover ambulance trips?

September 20, 2009 by admin

Medicare pays for limited ambulance services. If you go to a hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF), ambulance services are covered only if transportation in any other vehicle could endanger your health. Generally, transportation from a hospital or SNF is not covered. If the care you need is not available locally, Medicare helps pay for necessary ambulance transportation to the closest facility outside your local area that can provide the care you need. If you choose to go to another facility farther away, Medicare payment is based on how much it would cost to go to the closest facility. All ambulance suppliers must accept assignment. Medicare does not pay for ambulance transportation to a doctor's office. Air ambulance is paid only in emergency situations. If you could have gone by land ambulance without serious danger to your life or health, Medicare pays only the land ambulance rate and you are responsible for the difference. Please visit the Your Medicare Coverage section of Medicare's website for additional information regarding ambulance transportation as well as many other coverage topics.