CHAUTAUQUA – The Chautauqua Volunteer Fire Department and Chautauqua Fire District #1 Board of Fire Commissioners have approved a billing process that has taken effect June 1, 2024.

The department is working with Medex Billing Inc. to ensure full compliance with billing service regulations.

In many areas, those who call an ambulance receive a bill afterwards. New York state, under the EMS Cost Recovery Act, allows volunteer fire departments to bill for emergency medical services.

Under this new billing process, the department will collect health insurance data and send a patient’s health insurance company a bill based on the emergency service required. Many times, the data is collected from the hospital. The insurance company would then reimburse the volunteer fire department. This works with Medicare and Medicaid also. Should the individual not have health insurance, then no claim will be pursued.

The collection of health insurance data impede any emergency service needed. Ambulance service will be provided regardless of ability to collect insurance revenue.

The EMS Cost Recovery Act requires that all revenue received be used toward emergency service costs. This will improve the department’s ability to provide necessary supplies, equipment, training, and paramedic personnel to enhance service to those with emergency needs.