The 10th-annual Wake Rescue and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Fund subscription drive is under way. Until October 1, Wake County residents have a new opportunity to join the EMS Fund. For $60 per year, this "insurance" policy covers ambulance service as often as needed for all members of a single subscriber's family who live at the same address.
"It's the best deal in Wake County," says Wake County EMS Director Barry Britt, "and we're working to make sure it's not the best-kept secret in Wake County."
Most health insurance policies do not cover 100% of ambulance fees – neither does Medicare. So, the EMS patient winds up with a still-substantial bill for what insurance doesn't cover, often totaling $150 or more on a single transport – unless that patient is a Wake Rescue and EMS Fund member.
Members of the EMS Fund receive no bills for EMS service, even if their health insurance doesn't cover all of an ambulance bill. The plan covers all members of a household from October 1 to September 30 of the following year.
Residents can find information and applications at counter displays all over Wake County. Look for counter cards (printed in English or Spanish) or click here.
The County's ambulance fees are average when compared to other EMS providers in the United States, but those fees are still substantial. For example, an emergency, paramedic-level transport can result in a bill of $425 to $550 or more.
In addition to peace of mind for themselves and their families, members of the EMS Fund also support their local EMS or rescue squad with their memberships. The Wake EMS system is supported by a combination of tax funds and user fees. There are eight private, nonprofit corporate EMS/rescue squads in Wake County, all of which rely on volunteers for support. All membership money from EMS Fund members in a squad's service area goes to that squad to support its operations.
Anyone interested in EMS Fund membership can call 1-800-814-5339, visit Wake County's website, www.wakegov.com, or e-mail memberships@emsbilling.us for membership application information.
For more information, contact Joseph Zalkin, Wake EMS, at 856-6021.