Subscription Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How do I subscribe?
A. You can subscribe by returning the subscription form, which will be distributed to each resident during the next several weeks starting in April. If you do not receive one or have address changes, please call us at (610) 847-8801 so we may update our membership list. Otherwise you may utilize the UBREMS website to submit your subscription online. You will be directed to a secure payment portal to make your payment.
Q. What does my subscription cover?
A. By participating in our subscription program, we will waive unpaid balances for medically necessary emergency services, after your health insurance appropriately processes our bill. Please keep in mind that this does not apply to insurance deductibles and or co-pays which you remain responsible for as per your medical insurance agreement. Non-Insured individuals would also obtain a significant discount.
Q. My insurance covers ambulance trips so why should I subscribe?
A. Most insurance companies only cover a percentage of ambulance transport leaving the patient with an uncovered amount that can exceed $800.00. In addition, subscribing does more than protect you from incurring an expensive ambulance trip. It also insures that Upper Bucks Regional EMS can provide the best possible emergency medical care to you and your family. Your subscription money allows Upper Bucks Regional EMS to hire and retain qualified medical professionals, purchase and maintain new ambulances, and invest in life saving medical equipment.
Q. What is the age requirement of a “Senior” subscription level?
A. The subscription “senior” age is 65, to be in line with the insurance companies such as Medicare.
Q. How long does my subscription coverage last?
A. Online annual subscriptions are valid for 1-year from the sign-up date (Best Option!). Mailer and one-time online subscription coverage only lasts from the date of payment until April 30. Sorry, we cannot prorate your subscription, meaning if you renew your mailer or one-time online subscription part way through the subscription year, it will still run out on April 30th.
Q. What is Third Party billing?
A. Third Party Billing is the process where Upper Bucks Regional EMS recoups its operating cost by charging your insurance company for ambulance service. Upper Bucks Regional EMS bills all patient’s insurance, including subscribers. As a subscriber you will still receive a bill for services due to federal law that mandates us to send a bill to every patient. However, UBREMS subscribers are not responsible for any charges not covered by their insurance company for medically necessary emergency ambulance service (after deductibles and/or co-payments are met as dictated by your insurance carrier agreement, un-insured individuals must contact us for any applicable discounts). Non-subscribers will be billed for the portion not covered by their insurance. The costs of not subscribing can be high, as the typical BASIC ambulance bill can exceed $1400. Bills for patients requiring care from Advanced Life Support (ALS) can exceed $2300.
Q. What should I do with checks that I receive from my insurance company for ambulance service?
A. Any checks that you receive from your insurance company for ambulance service should be sent to: Upper Bucks Regional EMS, Inc., P.O. Box 105, Revere, PA 18953. These checks are payment for the ambulance services that you received, and are vital for our services to continue.
Q. Do my tax dollars fund Upper Bucks Regional EMS?
A. No. Upper Bucks Regional EMS receives money from the municipalities. Due to the high cost of delivering emergency service, these donations are not nearly enough to cover our annual operating budget, which is tight as it is. This makes your subscription a vital source of funding for us. Without paid subscriptions, we cannot continue to deliver high quality emergency care.
Q. Does my donation to my volunteer fire company provide me with a subscription to Upper Bucks Regional EMS?
A. No. Your donation to your local fire department does not provide you with a subscription to Upper Bucks Regional EMS. While we work very closely with these departments, we are independent from all volunteer fire departments and we do not receive any funding from them.
Q. Is Upper Bucks Regional EMS a department of the Townships?
A. No. We are an independent non-profit organization. Although we are a separate organization, we do work closely with the township’s to strengthen public safety.
Q. Does my subscription cover me outside of Upper Bucks Regionals coverage area?
A. Yes. Your subscription is honored by most EMS organizations in Upper Bucks County. Call (610) 847-8801 for a list of communities where you are covered.
Q. Are non-emergency transport services covered by my subscription?
A. Subscribers receive discounts for non-emergency services (when they are available). However, there still are charges for subscribers. For pricing information, please call (610) 847-8801.
Thank YOU for your continued support. Together, we can continue to provide excellent Emergency Medical Care for the Residents and Visitors to OUR area!