Charged for emergency ambulance!?!?
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Topic: Charged for emergency ambulance!?!?
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Subject: Charged for emergency ambulance!?!?
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 1:07pm
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I can't believe this - I'm SOOOOO angry!
I thought everything for under 5's was free in NZ? Apparently not! In the UK you are only charged if it is not classed as an emergency! (I totally agree with that). When Caitlin reacted to her last lot of jabs I was told by my GP to get her to hospital immediately. There was no way I was in the right frame of mind to drive so I called 111 and they sent an ambulance. I have just recieved a bill for $67!!!!! When I was sick a few weeks before this all happend and ended up being sent in an ambulance from GP office to hospital, I got a bill too and paid it as I viewed it as a transfer rather than an emergency (even though my GP refused to let my Dad take me to hospital). I can't believe I've been charged for this! I'm SO upset right now  not just because we can't really afford to pay out another $67, but I can't help but think of all of the lower income people out there that might think twice about calling an ambulance for their kids because they wouldn't be able to pay the fee 
Damn government! (Btw-this is the ONLY thing I have ever complained about re. differences between NZ & UK, before I get told to go home if I don't like it here!) **sorry but I'm SOOOOOOO p'd off right now!** ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
 
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Replies:
Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 1:26pm
| my dad "died" at the doctor's surgery - i put it in commas but he actually did - his heart stopped and they were giving him CPR and the elctric paddles things. he was taken in ambulance and charged for it as well. he can afford it, but it certainly makes you think twice about calling an ambulance in an emergency! i think it sucks but perhaps if you query it, you can get let off. not sure. |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 1:37pm
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I know, when I collapsed at my work in 2003 they rang an ambulance and then I was sent a bill for $45. I so thing the rest of the country should be like Wellington and the ambulance is free. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: Kazzle
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 1:37pm
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Its such a shame....here in wellington the ambulance is free...but as far as i know its only free in wellington...i think it should be free all over nz...
we always give money to welligton free ambulance to help them stay free..so why cant the other places do the same thing. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: daikini
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 1:43pm
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If we call the ambulance ourselves when I go into labour, we will be charged $45. If my midwife calls the ambulance for us, it will be free. (The charge becomes part of my antenatal care so in the long run the government pays).
The stupid part is that most pregnant women in this area will be travelling to deliver so there are going to be a few call-outs! ------------- Becca, mum of 2 girls & 3 boys |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 1:44pm
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If you pay donations to St John's Ambulance then you get it for free (at least in Palmy Nth) but yep, I needed an ambulance in 2003 and it cost me $45 or $50 as well. I guess the cost varies from town to town, either that or prices have increased since then. I totally agree that ambulances should be free. I think they used to be, like 10 or 15 yrs ago, but the Government withdrew support.... something like that.
Becks, I couldn't believe what I read on your post: "when I collapsed at my work in 2003 they rang an ambulance and then I was sent a bill for $45" I had exactly the same thing in the same year!!!  -------------  |
Posted By: emeldee
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 1:49pm
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We paid the family membership to St Johns and are therefore not charged for any ambulance rides. In terms of low income people, I think they can apply to Work and Income (WINZ) for an emergency medical assistance special needs grant which they don't need to pay back that will cover it. Unfortunately the stupid, uncaring, pathetic (I may be biased) government treats the ambulance service like it does the rest of healthcare and doesn't care enough to fund it. Take out your anger on your local MP with a nasty letter and email or two! ------------- |
Posted By: Roksana
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 1:50pm
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Aye?? I thought if it was an emergency then its free but if you are being a P*^%$& and call them for non emergency stuff then they charge you.
In your case Toni I think it should have been free...call them and ask them to explain why they have charged you....I would!!
Call them.....seriously! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 2:18pm
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Unfortunately that is right, it is only free if it is covered by ACC, so broken arm or leg is free but heart attack is not.
I would write to them and voice your complaint, and to your local council as well. The other option is to sign up as a member so it is free all the time. I think you did the right thing calling for one though, you would not have been fit to drive! ------------- "> 
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Posted By: Peace
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 2:21pm
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I hope you rang them and gave them a piece of your mind! I would totally not be putting up with that rubbish at all (although that could be because I'm a cheapskate and $67 is a rip). The whole point of an ambulance is for medically assisted transport when you are unabled!! ------------- DD1 May 2006 DD2 March 2011 DD3 August 2012 |
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 2:28pm
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I just called St Johns and the smarmey *inserts HEAPS of swear words* woman said that I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN it wasn't a free service at the time I called, therefore I had made a commitment to pay for the ambulance!
Perhaps I was more concerned about my baby's welfare!!!!! I'm even more upset now and will definitely be writing to my local MP
I've never needed to write a complaint letter in my life! Maree - I see on the letter it does say that you can pay an annual subscription of $40 then everyone in the house is free. This is a great idea in hindsight but I've only ever needed an ambulance twice in my whole life (these 2 occassions)and didn't think for a second I would be charged for my 14 week old baby! It does say that you can either pay for the occupants of the house (when at that address) or per person, I personally think I am being penalised here for wanting to be at my Mum's house which is closer to the local hospital after Caitlin has her jabs (for just in case situations). GRRRRRRRRR ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 2:28pm
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St John Ambulance are not-for-profit tho so its not like they are charging you to make money, it's just to keep them going. But I agree that they should be govt funded like the police and the fire brigade. I mean the fire dept don't send say "sorry your house burnt down, but here's a bill for the cost of putting out the fire"
As an aside, some medical insurance policies cover ambulance fees. Mine does. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Roksana
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 2:37pm
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So does mine!! mind you Zaara is not included in the insurance, because when I called them they said that since every thing for kids in NZ is free there is no use of having a policy for her yet!! I might have to phone them again!!!
but thankfully I never needed to use an ambulance... If I were you I would have asked her how "insert few swear word" were you to know that its not a free service?? and did you ask say that I thought all kis stuff in NZ is free?? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 2:52pm
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how were you meant to know that it wasn't free? It isn't like it is advertised, I only knew due to the first aide course I have done where they told us, before that I had no idea and presumed it was free.
------------- ">
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Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 4:00pm
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It's because they're not government funded that they have to charge something, at least in Auckland. I have heard that in most cases if you apply to them by letter and explain your circumstances they will let you off. That said we are about to take up a family / annual membership. Mind you I would also be upset if it was handled like that as well. ------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater 
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 6:15pm
Well thats it Toni u will have to move down here to have the free ambulance 
I agree its a load of crap!!! Kids should be free for the ambulance! |
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 6:59pm
hmmm free ambulance Vs sunshine/heat/not getting wind burn  I think I'll stay a Jaffa, thanks Jess LOL
ok - so now that I have calmed down and let off all of my steam in a letter to Peter Hogson, Health Minister *mwhahahaha* This was the best bit of the letter: "I have since discovered that the ambulance service is provided for free in Wellington. With the vast population base in Auckland and the continuous misappropriation of tax payer funds I find this even more distressing. I hope you enjoy your waterfront stadium Minister! You and your government obviously view a sports event to be more in need of government funding than NZ residents/citizens." SO THERE! I feel much better now ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 7:01pm
Ah bugger it was worth a shot 
Good stuff chicka!!!! |
Posted By: Bombshell
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 7:02pm
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sarahbeth is right on the acc thing...and i think even if you pay a sub to st johns and use it "too much" you get charged - we used to pay for grandma but still got charged after some use...she was going from resthome etc...but think too many elderly were using it like a taxi service from response we got!
We also got informed of this all at antenatal class...i ahve to say she covered the bases... binkas mum is involved with st johns she may be able to confirm more re costs etc... |
Posted By: james
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 7:33pm
when i rang a amberlince for james i wasnt thinking about how much they would charge me it was,nt till after that the hospital socil worker told me they would charge me and he offered to get a sally army grant to pay for it soo maybe you could do the smae things i had to send the bill to the socil worker and he would sort it out from there butt i never ot a bill so could,nt sayif it works but it might for you ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 7:42pm
The cost of medical attention for kids is free in NZ but unfortunately the ambulance is not covered by the Ministry of Health.... hence the need to bill people for call-outs. There are a couple of other exceptions too, Hannah needed a tympanogram (sp?) which is basically a fluid checker on her ear, and we were charged a surcharge for that. Got me by surprise too, fortunately it was only $6  ------------- |
Posted By: Jennz
Date Posted: 15 November 2006 at 9:50pm
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I don't think anything we got Charlotte medically in NZ was ever free- we got charged $16 for Drs visits as there were no free Drs in our area. Her specialist visits were $300 + each visit and on the few occasions we went to the A&E after hours we were charged too. Her allergy med is charged full price because the government don't subsidise it, even though she will die if she doesn't have it- $120+ a pen.
Actually no, we didn't get charged for Pamol. Woohoo. We were so lucky in that we got medical insurance for her before she turned 3 months so she is covered for conditions she was born with, like her allergies. It just means that we have to keep the poilicy as she will not be able to get another one. Even though we are over seas for a few years we still have to pay the NZ subsidy so she can be insured when we get back. I know lots of people complain about the UK health system but since we have been here we haven't had to pay a cent. Now I'm pregnant I get free Dr and perscriptions and even get free Dentist viists! Charlottes been to the Drs twice and A&E once- got 3 perscriptions including an Epipen and its all been free. Its brilliant and just how it should be in NZ- complain away, our health system is cr*p. ------------- Jen, Charlotte 7 & Kate 3 
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Posted By: Roksana
Date Posted: 16 November 2006 at 9:26am
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oh Toni I like that letter...make sure you send it!!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 16 November 2006 at 9:29am
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**gets a bit homesick**
I think the way Pharmac decide what is and isn't subsidised SUCKS! Especially for meds that Charlottle MUST have  .
------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 16 November 2006 at 9:43am
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Roksana - thats really cunning on the part of your insurance company, they only cover pre-existing conditions and conditions bubs are born with if you add them within 3 months of birth! I added Mercedes and Sienna before I'd even left the hospital!
And having insurance has been a Godsend with Maya. It meant we could afford to see private allergy paeds, and have her testing etc. done privately so we could avoid waiting lists and get some decent care. Same goes for my OB when I was preg with the twins, Southern Cross paid the whole lot so I didn't have to have a dodgy hospital doctor. And before you complain too loudly about the public health system here spare a thought for the Aussies. Medicare is the biggest rip ever, there's no such thing as a free lunch - it's user pays for everything. If you go to the Emergency Dept you get charged for the cost of whatever doctors you see. I had to pay for the privelege of having my d and c done at Royal North Shore in Sydney when I had the miscarriage. And had to pay for the scans etc. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Deez
Date Posted: 16 November 2006 at 9:45am
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without reading what everybody else said i suggest you ring St Johns and see how much it is for a family membership for a year....the last the my MIL updated her first aid cert she said it was $80 and you have unlimited amount of ambulance rides -------------  
Lycan and Peyton = Moon and back!! |
Posted By: Roksana
Date Posted: 16 November 2006 at 9:54am
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I know Emma....I have been with Sth Cross for ages and hardly ever need to use their services...but makes me feel better that at least I have the option.
Zaara has no conditions ....so May be I should insure her for hospital care or specialist care or some thing....what do you think? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 16 November 2006 at 10:38am
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Roksana, we have Southern Cross as well and I made sure Andrew was on it before the age of 3 months so that anything that happened to him would be covered. I would give them a call and ask them how they can go about putting Zaara on the policy. If she has had no illnesses then there shouldn't be any problems. I fould having the insurance meant that Andrew could see a specialist straight away for any problems (his ears have been a problem for us) and then the specialist told us he would fast track him through for public surgery and we had the op 3 months after seeing the specialist (bear in mind we saw the specialist in December and the op was in Feb). ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 16 November 2006 at 11:32am
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I would Roksana, it doesn't affect your premiums too much. I have Ultracare100 for myself and the three girls, Willie doesn't have any insurance and he is t the mercy of the public system for surgery he needs on his nose, the waiting list is around 6 mths and if he doesn't have it he'll lose his HT licence and therefore his job.
They've paid for all of Maya's allergy appts, her prescription formula up to $300 per year, Sienna's kidney u/s, the twins paed visit, not to mention my bladder surgery, wisdom teeth, OB... and that's all in the last 2 years! They're not making any money off us! ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 16 November 2006 at 11:42am
Wonders now if she should have stayed with Southern Cross?!?! 
I used to work for them in their call centre. Roksana I would definitely add Zaara, even if it is just the Hospital Care (cheapest plan that covers $60k per op and I think it covers the spec and scans as long as it relates to the op-if my memory serves me right) We're with Tower and were quoted a ridiculous fee for adding Caitlin who has no congenital conditons! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 16 November 2006 at 9:12pm
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Mine was $117 a mth for just me and Maya and is now $154 a mth with the twins as well. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 17 November 2006 at 9:16am
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For me and Andrew with specialist and hopsital cover its $146 a quarter, so $50 a month which is nothing. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |