Amador County – As “buying local” has become a popular concept in supporting Amador County economics, some companies allow buying local for family “peace of mind.” Namely, family passes to the local air and ground ambulance services.

CALSTAR is the local, non-profit, air ambulance provider that has been serving Amador County since June 2009. Tom Pandola, CALSTAR’s Auburn Regional Director said recently: “An air ambulance flight saves lives, but can also create a financial hardship for families. Membership cards are offered because of the financial ramifications of having an air transport, which can cost $25,000 or more. Pandola said: “CALSTAR knows this and offers a very inexpensive way to fly free with us. For just $45 per year you will ensure that your entire family flies free should they ever need our services.” Last year alone CALSTAR 10, based in Martell, “flew more than 200 patients to the medical facilities required to provide the care needed.” It also has group rates for companies and organizations that want to provide the benefit for employees and members.

American Legion Post 108 Ambulance Service also offers a membership program for year-round family coverage of ambulance service. American Legion Ambulance provides “Advanced Life Support” emergency 911 response to Amador and Calaveras counties, staffing six 24-hour units, and two 12-hour units, covering about 1,400 square miles with 75,000 people.

American Legion online said it “is committed to providing its patients with the very best care, protecting Life, Health and Safety,” and the “membership program can help protect your pocketbook as well.”

American Legion Ambulance’s average ambulance bill is more than $2,000, and people without out-of-pocket coverage may find it difficult to cover. American Legion Ambulance “membership protects your entire household against out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and co-payments that may not be covered by your insurance policy, Medicare, or other health benefits provider. If you have no insurance, or if your insurance company or other payor denies payment, you will be responsible for the full payment for ambulance services rendered, but American Legion Ambulance will discount your bill by 50 percent.”

The “membership program is not an insurance policy, nor is it meant to be a substitute for health insurance.” American Legion Ambulance’s membership costs $50 a year (or $30 a year for active members of The American Legion). A household is covered for medically necessary ambulance transports for a year.

For CALSTAR info, call 1(888)207-5433. For American Legion Ambulance info, call (209)223-2963.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.