My mom is at the very end-stage of Alzheimer's and I had to get her in the Emergency Room several times. Even with mom being unable to walk due to urinary tract infections, Medicare has refused to pay for her 911 EMS rides to the Emergency Room. The ER doctor even wrote as part of her medical diagnosis as threat to life. I appealed this -- several times-- to both Medicare AND her Tricare-for-Life and both are still refusing to pay for it. Is this some kind of death panel they don't want mom treated and just let her die??
Although I am power of attorney (POA), when mom eventually dies I refuse to pay thousands in ambulance services which Medicare and Tri-care are refusing to pay. Can the Ambulance services turn on me for payment? Do I have to pay for her unpaid medical bills when she dies? You are talking about several thousands of dollars when it is nearly $700 for a single ride to the Emergency Room.
What does Medicare and Tri-care expect from me??? Do they just want me to not get mom treated and let her die? I told them both when mom gets a UTI she is so profoundly sick she can't walk to the car, and I cannot lift her up and carry her out to the car. Medicare and Tri-care For Life don't care and just give me the run-around. Tricare even said I filed too many appeals and it was costly administrative time. Then I get a letter from them saying I have to refile the appeal. Seriously! I must have sent them at least ten letters. They are so messed up it is beyond description.
I only pray I do not live as long as mom since Medicare does not like paying for ambulance services. I think they just want a person to die. A friend told me I will not be responsible for her medical bills after mom dies even with me being POA since they are her bills -- just fax them her death certificate. I am wondering if that's true or if someone had something similar.
All insurers will reject a claim if they can, and it doesn't help to take it as an unfeeling, personal affront. But they do have to say why they're rejecting it and then you know what to challenge.
Your POA ceases on your mother's death, and you cannot be personally liable for her bills anyway. But her estate may be, and her executor would then use the money from her estate to settle outstanding debts.
"Part B covers emergency ambulance services if: An ambulance is medically necessary, meaning it is the only safe way to transport you. The reason for your trip is to receive aMedicare-covered service or to return from receiving care. ... And, the transportationsupplier meets Medicare ambulance requirements."
I guess they feel a UTI is not an emergency. Maybe if she had been kept overnight?
You will not be the one sued, Mom will be. If u aren't worried about her credit score, don't pay. Or in "good faith" set up a payment plan and pay what Mom can afford monthly, lets say $50. That goes for any medical bills. But get it in writing. Years ago my Aunt set up a payment plan and the hospital still sent her to collections. TG it was a lawyer. She told him and he said just continue paying him the agreement.
When Mom passes the debt is hers and the estate is responsible for the bills. No money the bills go unpaid. POA stops and the Executor takes over.
If Mom is low income, you may want to apply for Medicaid health insurance. What Medicare doesn't pay Medicaid does.
Those would seem to be serious issues that could cause harm to others or the patient.
I don't know the ambulance trip is separated from the rest of health care. It's so frustrating!
and changed the codes for the ambulance.
I found out the hard way that I coud not just call the ambulance company for a transport. I had to call our non-emergency help number.
If I ever have to call 911 again, I'm getting a copy of the medic's report asap.
I had a similar experience with a GP's report, to which I ended up attaching a closely-typed page of addenda, corrigenda and clarifications - 20 questions, virtually every one answered wrongly or incomplete.
But wouldn't it be nice to look that EMT in the eye and say "well? Explain?"
Some areas have memberships to EMS services. In my area it is $50.00 a year. With that fee paid, any emergency transport is not billed, included in the membership. EMS here uses it as a fund raiser for much needed equipment, and well worth the cost!
UTI is a serious situation, but you could have probably brought your Mom to the Hospital ER without the ambulance; like a Medi-Car/Cab service with a wheelchair.
You should be able work out a payment plan with the EMS.
if they attempt to harass your Mom (I guess you pick up the phone). Tell them. “It is not alright to contact Mom with phone calls...ever.” Let them write letters.
you will never be responsible for those bills.
once she has died....they can try to collect from her estate if there is one. They will know because they will watch the probate court calendars. BUT, again, you are not ever responsible for your Moms bills