Frequently Asked Questions
LVHN–EMS Hazleton is the primary Advance Life Support/Basic Life Support provider for the City of Hazleton, Hazle Township, West Hazleton Borough, Beaver Meadows & the Villages of Sheppton/Oneida. We also serve as the primary ALS provider for the Boroughs of Freeland, Weatherly, White Haven and McAdoo as well as Foster, Kline, Dennison, Banks, Ryan, Rush and East Union Townships. We are proud to assist the Freeland, McAdoo, Nuremberg, Weatherly, White Haven, Ryan Township, and Valley Regional Volunteer Ambulance Associations in these areas. If you live in these municipalities, we encourage you to join their associations as you will be covered if we respond.
Why should I become a member?
Your membership assures that LVHN–EMS Hazleton is able to staff highly trained medical professionals, maintain our fleet of ambulances and purchase necessary medical equipment to provide 24/7 emergency medical care to you and your family in the event of an emergency.
Do I need to purchase a membership if I have health insurance?
Yes. Your membership assures that you will not incur any unnecessary bills or medical expenses for necessary emergency ambulance service to the closest appropriate facility. Medicare and commercial insurance companies typically do not pay 100% for an emergency ambulance call. Keep in mind that we are required to bill you for the balance owed unless you are a member. As a member we are allowed to not send you a bill for any balance, co-payment or deductible. Nonmembers are responsible for full payment of all applicable charges.
If I am transported to the hospital, how does LVHN–EMS Hazleton get reimbursed?
In the event that you need emergency ambulance service, LVHN–EMS Hazleton will submit a bill to your insurance company. Insurance payments that we receive are then applied to your balance. Once all insurance benefits are exhausted, we write off the remaining balance if you are a member. As a member, you will have no out-of-pocket expenses.
What should I do if my insurance company sends me a check for payment of services provided by LVHN–EMS Hazleton?
All recipients of service are required to immediately forward any and all reimbursement received to LVHN EMS. Failure to do so will result in the immediate termination of any membership agreement and you will be held responsible for payment of all outstanding balances.
What is not covered by my membership?
The following services are not covered by your membership:
- Alternative modes of non-emergency transportation such as wheelchair van or non-emergent stretcher van transports.
- Certain non-emergency ambulance transports, which are not covered by insurance.
- Any charges related to excessive mileage based solely on patient and/or physician preferences.
- Any inter-facility transfer from Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton to another hospital.
Who does a family/household membership cover?
Your family/household membership will cover anyone who has a legal residence at your home regardless of relation.