LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s County Government has reaffirmed its policy that no patient will face personal costs for emergency ambulance transport provided by its Department of Emergency Services. The move comes after some residents recently received unexpected bills, prompting officials to address discrepancies in the county’s EMS billing practices and reinforce its commitment to covering these expenses.
In 2021, the county adopted a soft billing policy, under which it bills only insurance providers for emergency medical services and shields patients from out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays or deductibles. However, concerns arose when some patients reported receiving statements for unpaid balances not covered by their insurance. County officials reviewed the situation and found these actions deviated from the intended policy. Immediate steps were taken to correct the issue.
The county has instructed its third-party billing agency to stop all patient billing for unpaid amounts and to seek reimbursement solely from insurance providers. Patients may still be asked to provide insurance details, but they will not be held financially responsible for any costs related to ambulance transport. The county noted that, since the program began, no unpaid bills have been sent to collections. St. Mary’s County Government plans to monitor compliance moving forward and address any further issues.
Commissioner President Randy Guy emphasized the county’s stance. “The well-being of our residents is our top priority,” he said. “If you need emergency medical assistance, do not hesitate to call 911. St. Mary’s County is committed to ensuring that no one is burdened with the cost of emergency ambulance transport.” The policy applies only to ground ambulance services operated by the county, its rescue squads, and Advanced Life Support units, not to federal, state, private, or air transport providers.
The Department of Emergency Services oversees EMS operations for St. Mary’s County, which serves a population of over 113,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The soft billing approach aligns with efforts in other Maryland jurisdictions, such as Charles County, which also limits patient liability for EMS costs, per its official website. Residents seeking details can visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/EMSBilling or review the EMS Billing FAQ at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/EMSBillingFAQ. The DES is available for questions at EMSBilling@stmaryscountymd.gov or (301) 475-4200 ext. 2129.
The county’s actions aim to restore trust in its EMS system, ensuring residents can access emergency care without financial worry. The policy clarification addresses a billing glitch rather than a shift in approach, maintaining the framework established three years ago. As St. Mary’s County continues to grow, officials say they remain focused on protecting public health and safety through responsive emergency services.
