Heather's Corner: Golder Ranch Fire District Offers EMS Insurance and Huge Savings for You

Many of you know or have even experienced firsthand the costs associated with emergency medical transport to the hospital. These costs can run in the hundreds, if not thousands, depending on how many miles you are to the nearest hospital at your time of need. In fact, the average cost of ambulance services in the Golder Ranch District (GRFD) exceeds $1,000.00. Depending on your insurance plan, and even those with the best plans, many find themselves responsible for a major portion of the bill.

If you live in the Golder Ranch Fire District, you may want to take advantage of their EMS Insurance program. This insurance program is offered for just $75.00 per household per year and covers the entire costs of transportation to the nearest hospital for any household member requiring those services. Household member means anyone "living in the house on a permanent basis only" so it does not include temporary residents or visitors.

Things to keep in mind:

• You must live and be within the Golder Ranch Fire District to be eligible for the insurance covered transportation during the time of transport.
• This must be a "medically necessary" transport to the hospital. -If GRFD is unavailable and another ambulance company is used, those out-of-pocket costs will also be covered under the EMS plan.
• Though the transport is to the nearest appropriate hospital, not hospital of choice, it may include inter-facility ground transports to destinations outside the District.
• If an ambulance responds but the patient is not transported, there will be no charge.

EMS Membership seems like a great way to protect those you love from the unexpected financial hardship of ambulance services. Speaking personally as someone who has experienced the tremendous costs of ambulance services, $75.00 for an entire household is really cost effective expense. To sign up or to find out more information, visit their web page.

Thank you Golder Ranch Fire Department for offering this peace-of-mind protection to Oro Valley residents.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!