Calvert County has implemented a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Ambulance Transport Services Billing System, commonly referred to as a soft billing system. The program, which officially began on Jan. 1, 2023, is designed to streamline the billing process for 911 ambulance services in the county by directly billing insurance companies, relieving citizens of out-of-pocket costs for emergency medical transport.
The soft billing system aims to enhance access to emergency services while ensuring that the county continues to deliver high-quality EMS care. Under the new system, residents and visitors in Calvert County will no longer be responsible for ambulance service fees, regardless of their insurance status. If an insurance company does not cover the full cost or if a patient is uninsured, individuals will not be held liable for additional expenses.
This system represents the county’s commitment to providing reliable, accessible emergency services without imposing financial burdens on residents during times of crisis. Officials have emphasized that this program should encourage residents to call 911 without hesitation during emergencies, knowing that they will not be billed for ambulance services.
What is Soft Billing?
Soft billing, as implemented by Calvert County, means that ambulance transportation services provided through 911 calls will be billed directly to insurance providers. This system is designed to recover costs from insurance payments rather than charging individuals directly. Importantly, those who use ambulance services will not be required to cover any shortfalls if their insurance provider underpays or if they do not have insurance.
By adopting this approach, Calvert County aims to remove a common barrier to accessing emergency medical services—the fear of incurring substantial bills for ambulance transport. The county believes this system will allow EMS to maintain high service standards while ensuring that residents do not face unnecessary financial hardship.
How the System Works
When a person in Calvert County makes a 911 call and requires ambulance transport, the county will send the bill directly to their insurance company. Insurance companies will then cover the cost based on their policy guidelines. If the insurance does not cover the full amount or the patient lacks insurance, the county will not bill the patient for any remaining costs.
This policy has been implemented to align with Calvert County’s commitment to equitable access to emergency care, regardless of a person’s financial or insurance status. County officials have reiterated that patients should never hesitate to call for emergency assistance due to concerns about paying for ambulance transport.
Addressing Common Questions
To ensure transparency and address potential concerns from residents, Calvert County has created an online resource where individuals can find answers to frequently asked questions about the new EMS billing system. More details about the program can be found on the county’s website at www.calvertcountymd.gov/CostRecovery. Additionally, for those with specific inquiries or concerns, the Department of Public Safety has established a helpline, which can be reached at 410-535-1600, ext. 8621.
The county is urging residents to familiarize themselves with this new system and encourages open communication with the Department of Public Safety to ensure the community understands how the program works and benefits them.
A Commitment to Public Safety
The introduction of the soft billing system is part of Calvert County’s broader mission to provide high-quality public safety services to its residents. County officials have framed this initiative as a continuation of their efforts to maintain the highest standards of emergency medical services in the region.
By removing the financial burden associated with emergency ambulance transport, the county hopes to promote public health and safety, ensuring that all residents feel comfortable using emergency services without worrying about the cost.
In summary, Calvert County’s new soft billing system represents a significant step in ensuring equitable access to emergency medical services. By billing insurance providers directly and absolving residents of any leftover costs, the county is working to make emergency healthcare more accessible while continuing to provide top-tier services.
For more information, residents are encouraged to visit the official county website or contact the Department of Public Safety with any questions.
