The FireMed Ambulance Membership Program is a voluntary service available to the residents of Central and Southern Douglas County. The FireMed program is a program of MEDCOM Ambulance Authority. FireMed Members receive emergency ambulance care and transportation within the service areas covered by MEDCOM and non-emergency ambulance services as defined in the terms of agreement.

FireMed is not an insurance program, but will provide ambulance service and will bill whatever insurance or medical benefits are available to the member.

FireMed is in excess of any medical benefits members may have and is entitled to all medical benefits. Should a member receive payment from insurance, third party recovery, or other medical benefits, the member agrees to immediately forward such payment to the ambulance service provider. Members agree to cooperate to bill and collect from insurance, third party or other medical benefits for services rendered, including the execution of documents or claim forms.

Membership coverage begins three business days after acceptance of a completed application form and payment and MEMBERSHIP EXTENDS TO JUNE 30.

FireMed membership is non-transferable and non-refundable. Violations of the terms of agreement may result in immediate cancellation of membership and the individual will be held responsible for the full amount of ambulance charges.

NON-EMERGENCY TRANSPORTS
Non-emergency ambulance service under this agreement will only be covered for transports to and from local hospitals when deemed medically necessary in accordance with MEDICARE regulations and with prior authorization by a physician. Out of area transfers, wheelchair or air ambulance services are not included under non-emergency transports.

DEFINITION OF "EMERGENCY"
The term “emergency” means a service provided after the sudden onset of a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of such severity (including severe pain) that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonable be expected to result in placing the patient’s health in jeopardy, serious impairment to bodily functions, or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.

DEFINITION OF MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY
FireMed membership includes all persons listed on the application form who are permanent residents of the same single-occupancy, non-commercial residence within MEDCOM’s service area. Anyone joining a household can be included after this agreement goes into effect by calling the MEDCOM Business Office.

FireMed membership benefits are extended up to one year for household members living in substitute care facilities.

Only those persons who meet the FireMed membership eligibility requirements and are listed on the application at the time services are rendered are eligible for benefits. Others not included in this definition are required to obtain their won separate FireMed membership.

DEFINITION OF "MEDICALLY NECESSARY"
Medical necessity for this service is established when a patient’s condition is such that use of any other means of transportation, other than an ambulance, would further endanger the patient’s health or condition. Prior authorization by a physician is also required for a non-emergency transport.

MEMBER BENEFITS IN OTHER AREAS
Through reciprocal agreements with other agencies, FireMed members may be eligible for benefits when traveling in other areas of Oregon. Those benefits are limited to the terms of agreement in effect by the participating agency at the time benefits are used. For information on other participating agencies, call the MEDCOM Business Office at 440-3806.