City of OKC highlights EMSAcare opt-in/opt-out period in September

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The City of Oklahoma City is reminding residents of the window to change participation in the EMSAcare program whether you choose to opt-in or opt-out for the month of September.

The EMSA EMSAcare program, formerly known as TotalCare, was launched Oct. 1, 2009.

The City of Oklahoma City says, households were automatically enrolled in the ambulance program with the opportunity of opting out during the month of September. The program was created due to the cost to provide reliable service was outpacing the City’s general fund budget.

According to City leaders, a single emergency ambulance ride is now more than $1,300.

The opt-in/opt-out period for residents is September 1-30. Participants seeking to opt-in/opt-out can contact the utilities customer service at 405-297-2833. To check your water bill or account to learn your enrollment status here. To access or create your account click here. Once an account is created, you can change your participation.

No action is required if you don't need to make a change to your enrollment.

This map can help you determine if you are a resident of Oklahoma City.

EMSAcare covers out-of-pocket expenses for emergency ambulance rides anywhere in the EMSA service area for all permanent members of your household, whether you are related or not to include if they don't have medical insurance, says the City.

Details:

• Cost
  The EMSAcare cost is $3.65 per month, which will be billed on your monthly City water bill. The first billing cycle begins in October, which is the first day coverage begins for new participants. Coverage for all new participants begins October 1.
• For renters
  Apartment owners are required to notify tenants if they choose to opt out of the EMSAcare program. If your apartment has chosen not to participate, you can call (405) 396-2888 and sign up.
• What is not covered
  EMSAcare does not cover pre-scheduled non-emergency transports to and from doctors’ offices, dentists’ offices, physical therapy centers, pharmacies and other facilities. A non-emergency transport is an ambulance transfer that does not end at a hospital emergency room. Non-emergency transports are fully covered only if insurance or other third-party coverage covers a portion of the claim, and if a physician certification statement (establishing medical need for the ambulance transport) is provided. When no insurance or third-party coverage is available, EMSAcare members pay a reduced fee (40 percent off the standard non-emergency rate) for medically necessary non-emergency transports.
• Collection
  Approximately 10-15 days after your transport, you should receive a letter from EMSA requesting the name of your insurance provider. Your insurance provider is responsible for payment of ambulance services. Your EMSAcare membership covers all out of pocket expenses associated with your ride – expenses not covered by your insurance policy. Once you receive the letter, you will have 60 days to provide EMSA with insurance information pertaining to yourself or anyone living in your household covered by EMSA. Failure to provide the information nullifies your membership. EMSA will collect payment from participating resident’s insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. To receive EMSAcare benefits, you must provide EMSA with your insurance/third-party payer information and furnish any information requested by your insurance company after a transport. If you do not have insurance, you will need to alert EMSA to this when you contact them following your transport. Out of pocket expense will be covered by your EMSAcare membership.
• Multifamily property owners
  People who own a duplex, apartment complex or mobile home park can get details about the program here.

For more information, click here.