Service Fees & Your Bill
There are many laws, regulations, and insurer practices that affect ambulance fees.
Bennington Rescue has no control over the amount and speed with which many insurers compensate us for providing services.
In the graph at the bottom of the page is an example of all our common fees. This includes what a standard Medicare plan will pay for transport (they do not cover non-transport situations), and the difference - what Bennington Rescue is not allowed to collect.
Amount Billed
This is the billed cost of the service - we bill for the cost of preparedness, response, care, transport, and returning to service. Most insurances only pay for the transport.
- Contractual Allowance
The difference between the billed cost of the service and what the insurer agrees to pay either through their own government fee structure (Medicare plans, Medicaid) or contract (commercial insurances).
= Amount Compensated
This is the amount the insurer and the insured (patient) will pay. How much the patient is responsible for depends on the insurance, patient deductible, copay, or coinsurance requirements, etc.
Our Fees Compared to Medicare Compensation
The column with “BRS Fees” in the graph has our July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 ambulance service fees. We update fees annually with our budget (Jul - Jun fiscal year). This adjustment takes the Consumer Price Index plus our agency, national, and regional cost data into consideration.
*These are Medicare fees for a subscriber through standard Medicare for our region of the nation. The payment amounts can vary down or up depending on the type of Medicare plan.
What do all these codes and descriptions mean?
Each code and description defines a service provided to a patient.
Mileage are patient-loaded miles. Not only does Medicare pay less, after 18 miles the rate goes down to $9.24
ALS is advanced life support, assessment or care provided at the Advanced EMT or Paramedic level (IV lines, medications, advanced airways, etc.)
BLS is basic life support, assessment and care provided at the EMT level
Specialty Care Transport (SCT) is provided by Critical Care Paramedics when certain medication, procedures, or equipment like a ventilator are needed.
Paramedic Intercept is when an EMT or AEMT ambulance from another agency requires the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a paramedic to assess and care for a patient. This service is not covered by Medicare.
Treatment in Place / No Transport is when EMS is requested for assistance through 9-1-1 or calling the Bennington Police Communications Center but the patient / parent / guardian refuses transport after evaluation or care is provided. This service is not covered by Medicare and is a patient responsibility - see the next section.
Can’t you just bill more, won’t the insurer have to pay more?
No, government insurers like Medicare and Medicaid only pay their set rates, regardless of the amount billed. It will make the difference go up a lot but won’t change the amount we receive. It would affect those that are still uninsured or under-insured who do not have ambulance coverage and pay out of pocket. We negotiate with large commercial insurers on a regular basis.
Treatment in Place
If Bennington Rescue responds to a request for ambulance response and provides service to a patient, we bill the patient the BLS Emergency Fee listed in the fee schedule above. Service is any assessment and/or care indicated by the patient’s condition including lifting assistance.
What if I didn’t call the ambulance, do I need to pay the fee?
We have a protocol to follow to determine if a patient is responsible for the fee. Please review the No Transport Waiver Protocol and Hardship Waiver then contact our office at billing@brsvt.org or 802-442-5817 during business hours (7:30 AM - 3:30 PM).
Understanding Your Bill
You may have questions about your bill with Bennington Rescue. It is understandable, medical billing can get confusing very quickly. We try and be as transparent as possible, but it is easy to get lost. This may help you better understand your bill. Still confused or have questions? Call our Business Office, we are happy to help you with any questions you may have.
Account Number
This is located in the top right hand portion of your bill. This account number is unique to you. Having your account number and/or call number handy when you call helps us to quickly locate your account information. Any payments to Bennington Rescue should include the account and/or call number so we can be sure to properly credit your account.
Name & Address
This is the most updated name or address we have on file for you. If this is incorrect, please contact the Business Office immediately so we can update your information. Some insurances will not process your claim if your name and/or information is not identical.
Call Number
This number will be listed on the left side of your statement. It is usually in a format of a 2-digit year, followed by a 6-digit call number. For example, if you were call number 98765 in the year 2025, your call number would be 25-098765. Having your account number and/or call number handy when you call helps us to quickly located your account an information. Any payments to Bennington Rescue should include the account and/or call number so we can be sure to properly credit your account.
Description
The description tells you where we picked you up, and what location you were transported to.
Payment Plans
Bennington Rescue can assist you meeting your financial obligations. Check out our Hardship information page for details about qualifications, payment plans, or a hardship application and required supporting documentation
Have more questions?
Contact our Business Office at 802-442-5817 or billing@brsvt.org