Savvy Senior: August 8, 2019

Dear Savvy Senior,

How does Medicare cover ambulance services? About three months ago, I took an ambulance to the hospital emergency room because I rarely drive anymore, and I just received a $1,100 bill from the ambulance company.

Surprised Senior

Dear Surprised,

This is a Medicare issue that confuses many seniors. Yes, Medicare does covers emergency ambulance services and, in limited cases, non-emergency 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...