Second Alarmers Billing Department
Ambulance billing can be very complicated. To help you better understand some of the more commonly asked questions Second Alarmers Rescue Squad provides the following information. If you still have additional questions please feel free to speak with a member of our billing office that is ready to serve you Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm at 215-659-1885 option #1, or email billing@main.sars.org.
Since it’s founding in 1938, Second Alarmers Association and Rescue Squad of Montgomery County, Incorporated (SARS) has been operated by its volunteer membership. Today it has grown to become one of the largest pre-hospital Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers in the region, responding to over 12,000 emergency 911 incidents each year. SARS is a combination volunteer/career department, with over 200 personnel, delivering service from five stations, with 22 vehicles, including twelve advanced life support ambulances.
SARS provides these crucial, life-saving Emergency Medical and Rescue Services to over 130,000 residents and 55,371 households in the 56.68 square mile area of Abington, Upper Moreland and Whitpain Townships, portions of Upper Dublin Township, and the Boroughs of Hatboro, Jenkintown and Rockledge. SARS is also the primary contracted EMS service for 15 miles of the Pennsylvania Turnpike from the Willow Grove Inter-change.
Unlike local fire and police departments, SARS does not receive recurring tax funding, and our survival is dependant upon service reimbursement, grants and generous donations. Therefore, SARS bills for its services, and the following information is provided to help answer some of the most commonly asked questions.
The Ambulance Service Claim Process:
Second Alarmers Rescue Squad provides billing services for itself and other EMS providers in the five county area of Philadelphia. When possible, we file your invoice to your insurance carrier with the information provided at the time of the emergency. However, it is ultimately the patient’s responsibility to ensure that we receive the information necessary to file the claim, and follow up with the insurance company until payment is made.
Billing statements are sent to the patient if:
- They are not insured;
- If we have insufficient information to file a claim;
- If insurance has denied coverage;
- If there is a balance due after insurance has paid.
How do I make my payment?
Please make checks payable to “Second Alarmers Rescue Squad”, and mail to Second Alarmers, PO Box 13, Willow Grove PA 19090. Or, you may choose to pay using a Credit Card.
What if I do not have insurance?
If you do not have insurance, you will be responsible to pay the invoice in full, using check or credit card. We are willing to arrange payment plans.
Why did my insurance company mail the check to me?
Different insurance companies have different policies regarding reimbursement for services rendered. Some insurance companies choose to reimburse the patients directly, instead of sending the payments to the medical providers. If this happens, you may simply endorse the check over to the Second Alarmers Rescue Squad.
Why didn’t I get a bill?
When we have all the necessary information, SARS is able to submit invoices directly to the insurance company for the patient. We are frequently able to complete the billing process without involving the patient with the claims filing process. If this is the case, you may not receive a bill. If you would like a copy of the bill for your records, just let us know and we will be happy to mail it to you. You may also receive or request an explanation of benefits from your health insurance carrier.
Why should I have to pay for your service? Don’t I pay taxes for this? Aren’t you all volunteers?
SARS is not tax supported, but survives almost entirely on reimbursement for services provided. Because of the dedication and hard work of our volunteer members, Second Alarmers is able to provide its service at a lower cost than would otherwise be possible. The cost of vehicles, insurance, facilities, fuel, medical equipment, training and supplies have escalated dramatically in recent years. But the insurance companies continue to reduce payments, and make their processes harder and more confusing. While the demands for our service have increased, those willing or able to volunteer have decreased, and we have had to turn to employing career staff in order to ensure that you have an ambulance available when you call 911. Your payment helps to secure the continued survival and ongoing quality of the emergency medical service in your community.
