FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is FireMed?
FireMed is a program of the City of Ashland, Fire & Rescue Department, also known as the Ashland Fire Department.
Who qualifies to be a member?
Membership is available to anyone living within our ambulance service area (ASA.) Everyone in Oregon lives within one ASA or another, and chances are the ambulance provider where you live has a membership program.
Everyone in your household is included under one membership. A household is all permanent residents of a non-commercial, single-family dwelling living together as a family. Roommates and boarders must have their own membership.
Why do other FireMed agencies charge a different membership fee amount?
Each City, District, or company that provides ambulance services is independent and operates their own FireMed or other membership program. Each sets fees according to the requirements of its locality.
What does it mean in the Terms of Agreement that, "Persons who receive Medicaid, Department of Medical Assistance Programs, Oregon Health Plan, or other government medical assistance program benefits need not be members in order to have full coverage for services covered under these programs. Any such membership constitutes a voluntary contribution only."
Under federal and state regulations for these programs, a medical provider cannot bill the patient for any balances owed after Medicaid, the Oregon Health Plan or other such programs have reimbursed the provider any amounts on behalf of patients who receive these services. Therefore FireMed membership does not provide any extra benefit to these patients. Also, membership programs cannot solicit people in these programs for membership. However, it may be beneficial for persons who are covered under these plans to still join FireMed. FireMed will cover these individuals if the assistance program rejects the medical claim or if the patient becomes ineligible for these services during the membership year. In these cases, unless they are a FireMed member, the patient will be responsible to pay the entire amount for ambulance services.
Why does the Fire District charge for the ambulance service?
Ambulance service in most areas is funded entirely or mostly by user fees and membership revenue. Operating an ambulance service is expensive. Each medic unit has two Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedics (EMT-Ps,) highly trained and skilled people who respond to every medical emergency. Each ambulance has the
latest and greatest in medical equipment, medicines, and supplies. This service is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year. Operating such a system takes a lot of money, so ambulance fees are high.
FireMed ambulance membership makes this cost affordable to anyone, and assures everyone in the community high-quality ambulance care when needed.
What does FireMed have to do with my insurance?
FireMed will bill any insurance that is available to cover an ambulance transport. This could be health, auto, homeowner's or other insurance. We will collect whatever the insurance provider will pay and accept that as payment in full. If you have no insurance, FireMed will still not bill you. Collecting these insurance payments helps keep the cost of FireMed membership low so that everyone can afford it.
What do I do with the member card and sticker you sent me?
The card and sticker are ways that members can show their support of the FireMed program. You are NOT REQUIRED to display the sticker or carry the card in order to get services. If you choose to display the sticker, you may do so wherever you wish (i.e. auto, house window or door.) We encourage all members to display their sticker to let their friends and neighbors know that they know the value of FireMed membership.
Can I call FireMed to ask for an ambulance?
Only the 9-1-1 emergency system can dispatch an ambulance. For non-emergency service, such as transport between facilities, your medical provider will contact the dispatch center to schedule an ambulance. If you call 9-1-1, an ambulance responds, and the medics determine that a transport is not medically necessary; FireMed will not pay for an ambulance ride to the hospital. Generally, if the patient is able to travel in a sitting position, the transport is not medically necessary.