1. The patient receives the service. In this case, by an emergency ambulance transport to a hospital.
2. Attending to a patient’s medical needs is priority for EMS personnel. When possible, the provider will ask the patient what insurance they have at the time of service.
3. If the patient’s insurance information is not available or received at the time of service, the billing company will attempt to obtain this information through the hospital. If this information is not obtained through the hospital, the patient will receive a letter asking them to provide their insurance information.
4. A claim is sent to the patient’s insurance provider, including Medicare and Medicaid.
5. Albemarle County residents will not be responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses, including co-pays and deductibles.
6. Non-residents, in cases of hardship, may apply to the County for a hardship waiver once all applicable insurance payments have been collected.

1. When residents and visitors need emergency service, we want them to call 9-1-1 without hesitation or concern.
2. No one will ever be denied EMS treatment or transport based on their ability to pay.
3. Albemarle County residents will not be responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses, including co-pays and deductibles
4. Most insurance policies, including Medicare and Medicaid, already allow for reimbursement for this service.
5. Non-residents, in cases of hardship, may apply to the County for a hardship waiver once all applicable insurance payments have been collected.

The current ambulance transport rates are:

• Advance Life Support (ALS) - $ 720
• Advance Life Support 2 (ALS2) - $ 1020
• Basic Life Support (BLS) - $ 600
• Ambulance Mileage - $ 18 per loaded mile

• EMS Cost Recovery Brochure
• EMS Cost Recovery Brochure – Spanish