Indigent Emergency Management Services (EMS)

Indigent EMS:

The purpose of the Indigent Emergency Management Services (EMS) program is to provide final disposition, in accordance with Florida law, for those persons who cannot afford emergency ambulance expenses. Commercial health insurance companies cover 9-1-1 ambulance service based on the specific provisions of the insured persons health plan. Most commercial insurance providers cover 80% to 90% of charges for an emergency ambulance transport.

Customers of Bay County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) who are covered by commercial health insurance are encouraged to scrutinize the details of coverage contained in their policy to verify that the insurance provider is covering the transport at the level stated in the policy. Bay County Emergency Medical Services is funded solely by charges for treatment and transport. Bay County does not provide a tax subsidy for users of 9-1-1 ambulance services. The rates charged for 9-1-1 ambulance service in Bay County have not increased since 2006.

The purpose of the Bay County indigent EMS program is to determine financial eligibility for EMS fee waivers for qualifying individuals with a residential address outside of Bay County, Florida.  To qualify, residents must be at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. (See HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2022 figure below). Clients may have insurance and still qualify for this program.  As of May 1, 2018, there will be no charge for the EMS services for those clients with a Bay County address.

If you meet the qualifying guidelines, complete the Indigent EMS form below and contact Danette Robinson (850) 252-9522.

EMS Qualification Form