Yearly Archives 2016

Ambulance Billing: How Does It Work?

What happens when you call 911 and you are treated and/or transported by an ambulance crew? This is a question that is received often by the Municipal Emergency Services Authority of Lancaster County (MESA).

After MESA responds to a 911 call and evaluates, treats and/or transports a patient, there are three key factors that determine if or what the patient is charged for ambulance services including:

• Whether or not the patient has health insurance
• Whether or not MESA has the patient’s insurance information
• Whether or not MESA’s annual fee has been paid

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ambulance billing process:

• If you are evaluated, treated or transported and do not have insurance, but have paid your annual MESA fee, you will be billed 50% of the charge. If your annual MESA fee is not paid, you will be billed the full amount of the charge.
• If you are evaluated, treated or transported and do have insurance, MESA will bill your insurance if MESA has your insurance information. If MESA does not have your insurance information, you may receive a statement requesting your insurance information. Once your insurance information is obtained, MESA will then bill your insurance.
• If you have insurance and have paid your annual MESA fee:
• If your insurance pays MESA, you will receive no residual bill.
• If your insurance pays you, you must submit payment for that amount to MESA.
• If your insurance allowance is applied to your deductible, MESA will bill you 50% of the charge.
• If you have insurance and have not paid your annual MESA fee:
• If your insurance pays MESA, MESA will bill you the remaining balance.
• If your insurance pays you, you must submit payment for the full amount to MESA.
• If your insurance pays nothing, MESA will bill you the full amount.

Even with this explanation, we recognize that this process is not necessarily easy to follow! That is why you can also find a visual chart that details this process on MESA’s website at mesalancasterpa.gov/ems-services/.

MESA staff are available to answer any questions you have about your bill. MESA representatives are available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm, at 717-361-8220 (select option #5).

4th of July Safety Tips

As we approach the 4th of July holiday, we’d like to remind everyone to celebrate safely, responsibly and respectfully.
Please keep the following in mind:

Fireworks:

• Learn about what is permitted and prohibited in the Township by reviewing the local ordinance.

• Fireworks are not permitted on Township property/common areas

• Always supervise children and have water or a fire extinguisher nearby.

Grilling & Outdoor Cooking:

• Grills should be used at a safe distance from buildings, fences, and overhangs.

• Never leave grills unattended while in use.

• Be sure coals and flames are fully extinguished after cooking.

Noise & Courtesy:

• Please be mindful of your neighbors, especially veterans, the elderly, pets, and those with sensory sensitivities.

• Keep celebrations and noise to a respectful level and adhere to quiet hours where applicable.

Pet Safety:

• Fireworks can be distressing for pets. Keep them indoors and secure during displays.

• Make sure pets have updated ID tags in case they get startled and escape.

Emergency Services:

• In case of emergency, call 911 immediately.

Let’s work together to keep this 4th of July safe, enjoyable, and respectful for all residents. Thank you for your cooperation and have a Happy Independence Day!

Stay Safe and Cool in This Week’s Excessive Heat!

The entire Commonwealth is in for a dangerous scorcher today, with extreme heat warnings in the eastern portion of the state and southwest and heat advisory’s everywhere else. Heat index values highs of up to 104 are expected as far north as Bradford County, the southcentral portions of the state will feel like 108 while the southeast will feel as hot as 110. In addition, many areas are under an orange air quality alert for elevated levels of ozone.

Residents are also encouraged to utilize air-conditioned facilities such as libraries, community and senior centers, schools, churches and malls during the heat wave to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Here’s a look at some Susquehanna Valley cooling centers and senior centers that will extend hours over the next several days.

Anyone spending time outside today during this heat wave, and those that do not have air conditioning inside, are reminded of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and cautioned to stop and cool down immediately if you or those around you are experiencing the signs listed in the chart below: