Consumer 6: EMSA's Total Care Program Saves Money in an Emergency

E-M-S-A's Total Care Program is designed to save money and give you peace of mind <br>if an unexpected emergency happens and you need an ambulance.<br><br>Rainy weather doesn't stop the emergency

Thursday, March 9th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

E-M-S-A's Total Care Program is designed to save money and give you peace of mind
if an unexpected emergency happens and you need an ambulance.

Rainy weather doesn't stop the emergency workers at E-M-S-A. The paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians are ready to respond to any emergency. They handle hundreds of calls a week.

The Total Care card can be a money saver for lifesaving services. E-M-S-A started the program about 15 years ago to control rising health care costs and provide affordable service for patients. The program is priced at $60 a year for a new membership, $50 for renewal.

For emergency runs, the program pays the deductibles and co-payments for insured patients. It pays the entire bill for uninsured patients. For non-emergency trips, it will pay 40 per cent of the bill. "It is very good for people who are on set incomes, people that are on Medicare," said E-M-S-A's Chris Metcalf. "It allows them to not have to worry about the out of pocket expenses, because when you're on a set income, an ambulance bill could be more than you could handle."

The bill for an emergency ambulance ride costs almost $500. These costs can add up for people who need an ambulance several times a year. Since 1989, Total Care has helped diabetic Bill Viseur pay for his E-M-S-A service. "If I'd have to pay for all the service that Total Care has provided, I would be way in debt," he said.

Viseur has been living with diabetes since 1947. He checks his blood sugar levels at least six times a day. At night when the level goes too low, he calls E-M-S-A for help. "They give me an I-V to get the glucose or sugar into my system," he explained.

Sometimes the technicians have to take him to the hospital. When that occurs, the ride is covered under the plan. Viseur has a special four-legged friend who watches over him. His golden retriever helps Viseur live with diabetes.

If you're interested in the Total Care Program, call E-M-S-A. Open enrollment for the plan ends March 31st.