Why do veterans have to pay for ambulance Bills?

PO1 Paul Townsend — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 15:30:49 -0500

I was transported by code to an Emergency room other then the VA. The VA Stated that they are not a level one trauma center. Why am I stuck with the ambulance bill because I am not at least 30% disabled.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Dec 17 at 2020 3:56 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 15:56:23 -0500

Because ambulance services are not free and someone has to pay the bill. If we keep transporting without reimbursement, eventually there won't BE an ambulance because we can't afford to continue operating.

As for your specific situation....It sounds like you were transported Emergent (ie: lights and siren) to a more appropriate facility than the VA. Is TRICARE your only healthcare insurance? If not, they may be expecting anther policy to pay first (per Federal statute, TRICARE always pays secondary). I'm going to assume (based on the trauma center comment) you were involved in some sort of traffic accident. Worst case, if the other driver was at fault, THEY should be responsible for any expenses incurred.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Dec 17 at 2020 5:06 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:06:24 -0500

Even if you had been transported to a VA hospital, you (or other health insurance) would pay for the ambulance. I know of zero VA Medical Centers that have ambulance service. https://www.fargo.va.gov/images/2018/EmergencyTransportation.pdf

EmergencyTransportation.pdf

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2020 5:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:57:32 -0500

This is actually something being sent up to Congress now. Not anything VA purpose, but hidden health care charges. Basically, your insurance may cover a treatment facility but an out of network provider may provide service and you get charged for that

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Dec 17 at 2020 11:14 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 23:14:35 -0500

Because you are not eligible for that benefit. Just because you are a Veteran by itself, does not make you entitled to free medical care. You should have stayed in for 20 years and got Tricare for Life.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Dec 17 at 2020 11:16 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 23:16:01 -0500

You really answered your own question, your disability level is less than 30%.