Discount ambulance subscription on sale now

The cost of a Sierra Saver ambulance subscription will be reduced to $50 per household through the summer.

The East Fork & Paramedic Districts is offering the reduced rate through Aug. 31, in recognition of several costs involved in health care, the unemployment rate and the troubled economy, according to District Fire Chief Tod Carlini.

After Aug. 31, the fee will return to $75.

"The district's are experiencing the same reductions in revenue as other government agencies, like Douglas County," Carlini said.

"While this is a very small gesture on the part of the districts and the board, it can save those without insurance a significant amount if ambulance service is needed."

Carlini encouraged those with questions, especially those under Medicare, to contact the districts office to see if it is beneficial for them to subscribe, given certain rules governing Medicare payments.

"One of the unique features about our program is that depending on your levels of coverage and your deductibles, if it is not beneficial to subscribe, we will tell you."

Anyone who resides in the East Fork Fire and Paramedic Districts can take part in the program, regardless of whether they have insurance.

Covered are all 911 emergency calls, all medically necessary and approved trips to and from healthcare facilities, doctor's offices, and nursing homes in Douglas County and approved transfers from healthcare facilities within the East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts' coverage area to other areas within 75 miles.

For an application or more information call the East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts office, visit eastforkfire.org, or stop by the office at 1694 County Road.

The East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts' ambulance billing department handles all its own billing and is available for questions at the district offices.

"We want to provide hometown service and not send you off to a third party billing agency," Deputy Fire Chief Steve Tognoli said.

"We want to help you solve your billing issues over the counter and not over a long distance phone line. We also want to hear about the quality of service and encourage feedback from our patients."

Any one with questions regarding ambulance services for Douglas County, contact the billing department at 782-9044.