No discounts for the uninsured—but insured do get discounts

The Madison Township Fire Department “provides fire, rescue, and EMS services to Madison Township which includes the Cities of Canal Winchester, Groveport and areas of Columbus, Lithopolis, Obetz and Pickerington. Our coverage area is approximately 42 square miles. It is comprised of three stations and responds to more than 7,000 runs each year.

The Department hosts an annual Open House each year in October at Station 182 on Gender Road and Station 183 on Noe-Bixby Road. This is an opportunity for the community to visit the station, see the trucks, and talk to the firefighters. We provide paramedic coverage at various sporting events for Groveport-Madison and the Canal Winchester Local School Districts each year.  On Halloween, our crews are out in the trucks greeting the children and handing out candy as part of Trick or Treat. We also participate in the July 4th and Labor Day parades. Our trucks and personnel may also be seen at various special events around our community. “

What the Madison Township Fire Department DOES NOT provide is a discounted bill for emergency squad runs for the uninsured. The October squad run to Diley Ridge Hospital, about 3-4 miles from our son’s home was over $730.  In order for Medishare to pay, they have to have a discounted bill—even $20 would count.  But the policy of this emergency service is no discounts for the uninsured. Period.  Don’t argue.

I’ve contacted them: “We are grateful that the township squad took our son to Diley Ridge after seizures October 1, 2019. We are gathering his bills for brain cancer treatment to submit for payment to Medi-share and have learned you do not offer the uninsured a discount so they can have the dignity of paying their bills. I have put this on my blog.  Do you have an explanation for this odd policy?  Any discount would make the bill eligible for payment.”

Perhaps we’ll get an explanation.