Last year I broke my clavicle in two places while walking my dog. Thinking it was shattered due to the pain and bone movement, 911 was called. 911 dispatched an ambulance. I had NO CHOICE in who they sent. Well, they happened to send the the most expensive ambulance service in NH: Pridestar.
This resulted in an over $4k bill for an ambulance ride going only 11 miles. This was coded as ALS Level 1 - advanced life support - simply because they administered intravenous pain medication.... Ironic that this same drug - abused by many unfortunate people on the streets - likely costs under $100, if that.
I had no choice in the ambulance provider. Its predatory price gouging and financially taking advantage of people in (sometimes) dire, life-changing emergencies. This is morally reprehensible. These charges are highly unreasonable for the services provided. Myself, and the majority (if not all) customers have NO CHOICE in what provider is dispatched.
The state average is $1,467. Had I called my Town's Police/Fire/Emergency directly (rather than 911), the cost would be significantly less. It's obvious that they are charging this ludicrous amount because they are clearly getting away with it. (because - again - people who call ambulances don't have a choice and there appears to be no law in place to stop them). read more