FREQUENTLY ASKED SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS
Q. Why should i become a subscriber to Eastern Area PreHospital Services?
A. Your paid subscription can also save you hundreds of dollars!! Subscribers receive a 50% discount on any out-of-pocket expenses (e.g: deductibles, co-payments, etc.) related to medically necessary emergency ambulance service,provided by EAPS, to the closest appropriate medical facility.
In addition, subscribers also receive discounts on other types of transportation services provided by EAPS such as schedules ambulance transports.
Your subscription helps to assure that Eastern Area PreHospital Services ("EAPS") will have the staff, vehicles and equipment required to provide around-the-clock emergency protection for you and your family.
Q. How much does it cost to subscribe to EAPS?
A. Family Rate: $75.0
Individual Rate: $50.0
Business: $100.0
Q. Who is eligible to subscribe to EAPS?
A. Residents of East McKeesport, Edgewood, Swissvale, Turtle Creek,Wall, Wilkinsburg and Wilmerding.
Q. Do I need a subscription if I have health insurance?
A. Yes! Most insurance companies do not pay 100% of total ambulance charges. In fact, most insurance plans require that you pay a co-pay and/or deductible. Your paid subscription assures that you will receive 50% discount on any out of pocket expenses related to emergency ambulance service provided by EAPS.
Also, keep in mind, non-subscribers are often responsible for full payment of any and all applicable ambulance charges, which often can exceed $1,000.00 per trip.
Q. I thought EAPS wrote off 100% of my co-pay and/or deductible amounts?
A. Due to rising co-pay and high deductible insurance trends, EAPS was faced with either substantially increasing the cost of the annual subscription or attempt to recover some revenue from subscribers who use the ambulance. We believe that this was the best way to proceed as subscribers can still save hundreds of dollars through our 50% subscriber discount program.
Q. How can i subscribe?
A. Subscription applications and brochures are mailed in Edgewood, Wilkinsburg in the end of March, and East McKeesport, Swissvale, Turtle Creek, Wall and Wilmerding in the end of July. Residents should simply complete the easy-to-read application, enclose a check or debit/credit card and return the application to Eastern Area PreHospital Services at P.O. 172 Turtle Creek, PA 15145
Q. Can I subscribe online?
A. A Resident can subscribe by clicking here.
Q. How is EAPS reimbursed if I am transported to the hospital?
A. In the even that you need emergency ambulance service, EAPS will submit a bill to your insurance company. Insurance payments are applied, subscribers receive 50% discount on any remaining out of pocket expenses for emergency ambulance services. The subscriber discount is applied - no matter how frequently you require medically necessary emergency ambulance service.
Q. When does subscription expire?
A. Your paid subscription is valid for 365 from April 1 in Edgewood, Wilkinsburg and August 1 in East McKeesport, Swissvale, Turtle Creek, Wall and Wilmerding
Q. What is NOT covered by a subscription?
A. The following services ARE NOT covered by your subscription:
1) Alternative modes of non-emergency transportation, including wheelchair van transports
2) Certain ambulance transports (emergent and non-emergent), which may be denied or deemed outside the limits of your insurance coverage and / or do not meet established medical necessity criteria.
3) Any changes related to long distant ambulance mileage charges or transport fees, which are based solely on patient and/or physician preference.
( Subscribers receive a 50% discount on any applicable out-of pocket expenses related to these non-covered services provided by EAPS.)
Q. What should I do if my insurance company sends me a check for payment of services provided by EAPS ?
A. All recipients of service are required to immediately forward any and all reimbursement received to Eastern Area PreHospital Services. Failure to do so will result in the immediate termination of any subscription aggrement and you will be held responsible for payment of all outstanding balances.
Q. Does EAPS honor any other ambulance services' subscription program?
A. EAPS has reciprocal agreements with many other ambulance services in the area
Q. I did not get a new or renewal subscription application or brochure?
A. Subscription brochures will be mailed to all residents in the service area and should arrive via the USPS each year.