THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 22, 2025 Page 15 Sa nr Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Does Medicare Cover Ambulance Rides? Dear Savvy Senior, A few months ago, I took an ambulance to the hospital emergency room because I had a nasty fall at home but just received a hefty $1,050 bill from the ambulance company. Doesn’t Medicare cover ambulance rides? Frustrated Benefi ciary Dear Benefi ciary, Yes, Medicare does cover emergency ambulance services and, in limited cases, nonemergency ambulance services too, but only when they’re deemed medically necessary and reasonable. So, what does that means? First, it means that your medical condition must be serious enough that you need an ambulance to transport you safely to a hospital or other facility where you can receive care that Medicare covers. If a car or taxi could transport you without endangering your health, Medicare won’t pay. For example, Medicare probably won’t pay for an ambulance to take someone with an arm fracture to a hospital. But if the patient goes into shock, or is prone to internal bleeding, ambulance transport may be medically necessary to ensure their safety on the way. The details make a diff erence. Second, the ambulance must take you to the nearest appropriate medical facility. If you choose to be transported to a facility farther away because the doctor you prefer has staff privileges there, expect to pay a greater share of the bill. Medicare will only cover the cost of ambulance transport to the nearest appropriate facility and no more. Medicare may also pay for an emergency fl ight by plane or helicopter to the nearest appropriate medical center if the trip would take too long on the ground and endanger your health. Nonemergency Situations Medicare may also cover ambulance transportation in some cases when you’re not facing a medical emergency. But to receive this coverage, your doctor needs to write an order stating that an ambulance is medically necessary because other ways to get you to an appointment could endanger your health. For example, if you’ve been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, Medicare may pay if you have a doctor’s order stating that it is medically necessary for you to use an ambulance to take you to and from a dialysis center. You also need to know that in nonemergency situations, ambulance companies are required to give you an Advance Benefi ciary Notice of Noncoverage or ABN if they believe Medicare may not pay. This lets you know that you will be responsible for paying if Medicare doesn’t. Ambulance Costs Ambulance rides can vary from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on where you live and how far you’re transported. Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of the Medicare-approved ambulance rides after you’ve met your annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2025). You, or your Medicare supplemental policy (if you have one), are responsible for the remaining 20 percent. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, it must cover the same services as original Medicare and may off er some additional transportation services. You’ll need to check with your plan for details. How to Appeal If an ambulance company bills you for services after Medicare denies payment, but you think the ride was medically necessary, you can appeal – see Medicare.gov, click on “Providers & Services” followed by “Claims, Appeals, and Complaints.” To help your case, ask the doctor who treated you for documentation that you needed an ambulance. If you need some help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), who can help you fi le an appeal. Go to ShipHelp.org or call 877-8392675 for contact information. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. nior ior OBITUARY Lillian Jeannette (Ciulla) Riley Known to many as “The Diamond” Lil had a sparkle that matched her love of rhinestones, flashy jewelry, and leopard prints. She loved the ocean, treasured her time living by the water, and was a loyal and dedicated Red Sox fan. Lil’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was the cherished mother of John (Amy), Danny, Sr, (Beverly), O f Revere, formerly of Everett. Passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 76. Born in Boston on October 24, 1948, Lil was the cherished daughter of the late Tony and Beatrice (Sutera) Ciulla. A proud graduate of Everett High School, Class of 1966, she married her children’s father shortly after graduation. Lil was happiest in her kitchen, where her love of cooking brought people together. For years she hosted holiday gatherings and welcomed everyone into her home to enjoy her famous Sunday gravy and meatballs. A strong and resilient single mother of six, she worked as an offi ce manager at Chuck’s Provisions and later as a barmaid at the Shipwreck Lounge, where she affectionately became known as “Mama Lil.” Patrice, Toni-Marie, and her “baby boy,” Charlie (Nancy) as well as the adored mother-inlaw to José. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Heather, Anthony Ferullo, Danny, Jr., Anthony Cabrera, Leanne, Claudia, Sabrina, Gwendolyn, and Jayden. Her heart grew fuller as she became a great-grandmother to Joseph, Liliana Bea, Anthony Jr., Scarlett, twins Lucas and Emma, Carter, Little Dan and Clementine. Each of them blessed by her love, and playful spirit. She was predeceased by her daughter Colleen, sister Marie, brother Anthony, niece Maria, and her beloved fur baby ToBea. In her fi nal years, Lil was blessed with the devoted care from her daughters and Frances Galeas of Mystic Valley Elder Services, whose kindness and unconditional love brought comfort until her fi - nal days. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Grace Church, 59 Nichols St. Chelsea-Everett, Friday, August 22, 2025 at 11 a.m. followed by burial at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org Lil will be remembered for her strength and sparkle, her love of family, and the joy and laughter she shared with all who knew her. Arrangements by the Cafasso & Sons Funeral Home, Everett.
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