Billing
Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why would I receive a bill from EMS when I am a Hughes County taxpayer?

 A. Property taxes pay for the staffing, vehicles, and stations required to provide Emergency Medical Services.  User fees help offset the cost of specific equipment and disposable medical supplies associated with each ambulance call. 

Q2.  What is the current tax rate for EMS in Hughes County?

A.  The current property tax levy for EMS in Hughes County is at the Constitutional limit of 3 Mils.  A Mil is 1/10 of 1 cent. So HCEMS collects 3/10 of a cent off every $1 of assessed value of your property tax.  The EMS Bond is also set to a max of 3 Mils, but do to the amount requested and the valuation of the county, it fluctuates between 1.5 mils to 1.7 mils yearly.

Q3.  I do not live in Hughes County but a Hughes County ambulance transported me, will I still receive a bill?

A. Yes you will still receive a bill for the above user fee, plus a surcharge since you reside out of county, that surcharge is equivalent to the average property tax amount that a Hughes County resident pays to Hughes County EMS.

Q4.  If I am taken to a local hospital by HCEMS, then transferred to another facility, will I receive 2 bills?

A. Yes you will receive 2 bills as those are considered 2 separate request for service.

Q5.  What happens if I cannot pay my bill?

A.  We understand everyone faces financial hardships and are willing to work with you.  Contact our director Kristy Lashbrook to find out your options in terms of bill reduction, payment plans, or bill forgiveness.  Failure to do so will have your bill sent to collections, failure to respond to collections will impact your credit.  The EMS board of trustees can also place liens on any property you own until the fee is paid and can collect the fee from your state tax refund using a debt set off program.

Q6.  An ambulance was called for me, but I did not have them take me to the hospital.  Will I still receive a bill?

A. In most cases, if we do not transport you, you will not get a bill.  However, if the medics provide treatment like bandaging, a 12 lead ECG, or administer fluids like IV sugar you will receive a bill for the disposable medical equipment.  Please check with your insurance on payment of that bill as many will deny it since you were not transported.

Q7.  I was involved in a motor vehicle accident, will my auto insurance cover my ambulance bill?

A. As Oklahoma is an At-Fault State this means the at fault driver's insurance is responsible for your medical expenses.  Afterwards, and if part of your plan, your Personal Injury Protection coverage under your auto insurance policy helps pay the remainder of ambulance charges if you're in a car accident no matter who is at fault. This means you can think of your own auto insurance (in these cases) as emergency financial help for that ambulance cost.  If you have Medical Payments coverage, most of your ambulance costs are paid by your auto insurer. With an Underinsured Motorist clause, most of your ambulance bill is paid even if the other motorist has no liability coverage. If the other driver is found to be at fault and that driver has Bodily Injury Liability coverage, most of your costs get paid too.  As always talk to your insurance provider as this varies plan to plan, and always consult a lawyer for legal advice.  HCEMS does not recommend nor require patients to chose a specific provider or purchase items specific to that company and their listing here is in the public interest and not an endorsement.

Q8. Does HCEMS offer wheelchair transport?

A. No HCEMS does not offer wheelchair transport.  If you need wheelchair transport  or transport to your SoonerCare appointment via SoonerRide please contact KATS at the numbers below:  In addition to KATS, many of the companies that provide stretcher aid van services provide wheelchair services.  See their contact info below Question 9.  HCEMS does not recommend nor require patients to chose a specific provider or purchase items specific to that company and their listing here is in the public interest and not an endorsement.

Q9. Does HCEMS offer transport of bed bound patients to doctors appointments or dialysis.

A. Generally speaking No.  HCEMS is a 911 transport provider set up for emergency transportation to hospitals.  There are many services who specialize in what's called stretcher aid van services, most insurance companies have a provider they partner with.  These agencies exist because 911 providers are set up to provide care while enroute and stretcher aid vans provide no care.  In a worst case scenario, HCEMS will assist our residents in this service, but it is still billed at a higher 911 rate.  As such we require a minimum of 3 business day notice to obtain preauthorization from the patient's insurance company for this non emergency transportation.  Please note, if your insurance company denies the request a deposit of 50% of the estimated bill will be required before transport can be scheduled.  Please attempt to contact the stretcher aid companies listed below.  HCEMS does not recommend nor require patients to chose a specific provider or purchase items specific to that company and their listing here is in the public interest and not an endorsement.

Based out of OKC: Based out of Tulsa: 

Oklahoma Critical Care Transportation/Med-Ride: 405-681-1923 HeathRide:  918-404-0038
Reliable Medical Transportation: 405-801-2111 MedSupport: 918-627-5111
Elaine's Transportation: 405-670-1700

Q10. Does the county have a helicopter for emergency transport?

A.  No, However, Hughes County emergency agencies including HCEMS have access to and use of various private helicopter services.  Through a cooperative effort, the emergency services agencies in the county have designated scores of suitable helicopter landing sites ranging from large intersections to baseball fields.  

Q11.  What are the helicopters the county uses?

A. Hughes County EMS uses helicopters from Air Evac, McAlester Regional Air Care and Tulsa Life Flight depending on weight of the patient, destination, pick up point, and fastest arrival.  To contact those agencies use the links below.  HCEMS does not recommend nor require patients to chose a specific provider or purchase items specific to that company and their listing here is in the public interest and not an endorsement.