Kansas City, Kansas Residents Can Sign Up for Ambulance Services Option to Control Costs

The Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department is accepting applications for its ambulance membership program.

The program is similar to the one offered by MAST ambulance service since 1995 and covers out-of-pocket expenses for medically necessary ambulance services in Kansas City, Kan., and Edwardsville.

The citizens wanted access to it because the membership program is a way to alleviate your out-of-pocket costs, said David Shost, medical transport director for the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department.

The program is very similar to the one used the last nine years. We made a vow to continue the program when the Unified Government took over ambulance services in July 2004, he said.

The department limits the sign-up period from July 1 to Oct. 31.

The memberships are available for a family plan at $49 for one year and $95 for two years, and a singles plan, $35 for one year and $65 for two years.

The family plan covers spouses or domestic partners living in the same residence or a spouse living in a nursing home in Kansas City, Kan., or Edwardsville.

It also covers other dependents living in the residence or a nursing home in Kansas City, Kan., or Edwardsville. There is no age limit on the dependents.

The plan is limited to only medically necessary transportation where the patient is stretcher-bound, Shost said.

It does not cover trips where the patient could make the trip in a taxi or a wheelchair van.

Individuals insurance policies are billed for the ambulance service.

What is not covered by insurance is written off, Shost said. People do not have to be insured to join the membership plan, either.

Shost said emergency ambulance service costs begin at $550. There are added charges for paramedic care, supplies and mileage.

It is a peace of mind for our citizens, he said. The thought of needing and using ambulance transportation isnt going to break them.

Applications can be picked up at the nearest Kansas City, Kan., fire station or by calling fire headquarters at (913) 573-5550.