Billing FAQ's

Q:  How are the rates and charges assessed on my bill?

A:  All ambulance providers in Arizona are regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS).  ADHS also regulates and sets all ambulance rates and charges.  These rates take into consideration the expenses for readiness to respond, response time requirements, medical equipment, labor costs and the cost of government requirements to accept assignment of federal and state health program mandatory discounts.

Q:  What is "Usual, Customary, and Reasonable"?

A:  The phrase "usual, customary, and reasonable" (UCR) refers to the base amount that third-party payers generally use to determine how much will be paid.  Most insurance policies pay benefits for the services based on usual and customary allowances.  The method used to determine usual, customary, and reasonable varies by insurance company and the allowance varies by geographic area.  The allowances are based on claim data collected by the insurance company or data purchased from an entity which collects data.  Please check your policy for details.

Only the usual and customary allowances are applied to your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.

The patient is responsible for paying the amount applied to their deductible, coinsurance and the difference between what the provider charges and the insurance company's usual and customary allowances.

Q:  Why does Life Line send me a bill after I’ve received services?

A:  Life Line Ambulance is a private ambulance company and our services are NOT funded through tax revenues, subsidies, or grants, as are other emergency services. You only pay for services when you use them.  Therefore, the patient and/or their insurance provider are responsible for the payment of services.

Q:  Does my insurance company pay for this bill?

A:  Most private insurance providers, Medicare and AHCCCS, cover medically necessary emergency and non-emergency medical transportation, but it is always best to check with your provider BEFORE you have a critical event in your life.  Know your coverage now, so you won’t have to worry while you or your loved ones heal.

Q:  Does Life Line submit this bill to my insurance company?

A:  Yes, Life Line will submit a claim to your insurance company.  Please contact our patient representatives with insurance information so we may submit the claim for you.  

Q:  What insurance companies does Life Line work with?

A:  Life Line submits claims to:

• Medicare
• AHCCCS/Medicaid programs
• Private insurance companies, such as automobile and health
• Workers’ Compensation programs
• Specialized health programs

Q:  What does this bill cover?

A:  Your bill details the services you received from Life Line, including the initial response of the Life Line EMS team, the ambulance transportation, mileage, treatments you received and supplies that Life Line’s EMTs and Paramedics used on your behalf.

Q:  When is payment due, and what forms of payment do you accept?

A:  Payment in full is due 30 days after all third-party payers have processed your claim.  Life Line accepts personal checks and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express).  For your convenience, payment can be made online at any time of the day or night by using this link and clicking on the “Pay Your Bill Online” link.

Q:  Can I get a discount on my bill?

A:  As stated above, Life Line’s rates and charges are regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services and those regulations do not permit reduction of fees.

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