coastrider

I heard about this because the air ambulance bill was a result of motorcycle accident. The article is about a fellow that found himself facing a $50K air ambulance bill. To paraphrase a bit, the air ambulance company says that they lose money on people with no money so they bill those with money more to make up for those that don't pay.

The interesting bit in the article:

"Legal experts say patients often get sky-high bills for emergency health care, even though they are only obligated to pay market value. Moreover, they say, financial paperwork handed to patients for their signature while they’re traumatized, drugged or confused wouldn’t hold up in a court of law."

I hope no one here ever faces something like this, but before you cave and pay an insanely high bill you might want to consult a lawyer and see what you really need to pay. And also, don't sign anything without review by a lawyer - - but we all knew that, didn't we...

The article:
https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-26...-youre-charged

GPD323

I have Life Flight membership. It pays for the air-lift. Its 65 bucks a year. I also have the SPOT so I feel I am covered for the most part in an emergency.

https://www.lifeflight.org/membershi...saAoY5EALw_wcB

https://www.lifeflight.org/about/

307T

Both the OP and the post above are good advice. I got to fly in the helicopter too. Not so much fun. I hope you never have the same experience.

Mikeames

I just looked into the lifeflight membership. Seems like a pretty good deal until I looked closer. It only covers you in a few western states, and only if you’re flown on the life flight network. Turns out there are many other networks that you might get transported on. Most likely you won’t have any choice at the time.
I went into this thinking $60-$70 per year is pretty cheap insurance, now I’m not so sure.
It would sure be nice if one company covered you on all of them.
Have to think about this a bit more.

307T

Certain helicopter evacuation services are on call with corresponding fire districts. While there are some reciprocal arrangements between evacuation services, that would be something that your insurance company could work out when the dust settles. If you are in critical enough condition that first responders deem LifeFlight is necessary, cost should be the least of your worries.

MikeMikeMike

Yeah good to know that the prices are negotiable, but it should be the last thing on your mind if they are calling in a 'chopper for you...

307T

That's exactly what I said in my last sentence Mike.

WarpShatner7

You could always offer them your liver.

craiger

All good advice, thanx for the heads up regarding the insurance bit. Not to go off on a rant here, but.... come on man, can't we all get past this "for profit" health insurance thing in this country? Isn't it time? Why is it always profit over people?

tod701

Because people have seen what happens when the government is in charge and don't trust them to not F this up too.

Sentinel

I got a helicopter ride once in Los Angeles from up on Angeles Crest Highway when I ran my KZ400 wide on a curve, hit road-edge sand, and head-banged a station-wagon-size boulder that was like 1.15" outboard of the fog line.
At least one broken vertebra. I remember mostly because one rib of the Stokes stretcher they had me on was pushing right against the (at the time unknown) broken bone.
It was the least possible fun helicopter ride you can imagine.
Wickedly bouncy and vibrate-y.
I was like 18 and I don't even know who paid for that ride, if anyone ever did.
I had no idea about insurance or medical payments when i was a reckless teenager. I had a TON of medical treatment over that crash and I sure as heck didn't have insurance or money.
It was 1978 IIRC.

Akdawg

I can only say...I'm covered by VA as a Vet. I've found it to be as streamlined and as efficient as any private care I've encountered. It's a big system but seems they've got it figured out...a good model for universal care.

juanitotheclumsy

Ha ha! You're funny! That's why EVERY OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD has national health care of some kind. And they always vote to keep it.