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1. Who is eligible to join the FireMed Subscription Program?

Any resident within the City of La Habra may join the FireMed Subscription Program.

2. What does the $48 membership fee cover?

The membership protects insured members from any out-of-pocket expenses related to paramedic treatment and emergency 911 ambulance transportation for situations that occur in the City of La Habra. If you have insurance, we will bill for the services rendered, but will accept whatever is paid as “payment in full” (i.e., if your insurance denies the entire bill or any part of it, you will not be responsible for the unpaid balance).

3. Who does the membership fee cover?

All permanent residents of a member's household.

4. Are visitors of residential members covered?

No. Only permanent residents of a member's household.

5. What happens if I'm not a FireMed Subscription Program member and I use the ambulance service?

Whether or not you are FireMed Subscription Program member, you will always receive the highest level of emergency treatment and transportation. However, as a non-FireMed Subscription member, you will be billed for the services. You may give the bill to your insurance company, but you will be responsible for any unpaid balance. Keep in mind that there is no guarantee that your insurance will pay in full for the treatment that you received.

6. Why do I need to join if I already have medical insurance?

When the City of La Habra charges for treatment and subsequent transportation, there is no guarantee that your insurance company will cover the charges. The charges may be denied or only partially paid, or your deductible or cap limit may result in an unpaid balance for which you are responsible. For example, if you have Medicare / Medi-Cal coverage, you should be aware that these plans no longer cover the prehospital paramedic treatment service charge. As a FireMed subscription member with insurance, you don’t have those worries since you are not responsible for any out-of-pocket costs. Also, keep in mind that the subscription membership covers all family members with permanent residence at your address who may not have the same insurance as you do and may need that extra financial protection in an unexpected emergency. Belonging to the program gives you peace of mind in not having to worry whether your insurance will pay all the bills. The $48 annual fee is only a fraction of many insurance companies’ deductibles.

7. Why is my insurance plan billed?

The City of La Habra’s FireMed Subscription Program is not an insurance company - we are a provider of services. In order to provide the current level of emergency service to the community we must attempt to recover the costs associated with the treatment and transportation. Through the monies collected by means of treatment and transportation charges, and membership fees, the current system of pre-hospital emergency services in our community is enhanced. The monies collected from membership and insurance allow us to have a better emergency medical services system and a healthier community.

8. If I move out of the city after paying the annual membership fee, will I be entitled to a refund?

No. There will be no refunds.

9. Will my membership cover routine ambulance service, such as trips from hospital to home or rest home to a hospital?

No. Your membership covers emergency use associated with 911 only.

10. Will the Fire Department still respond if I do not become a member?

Yes. The Fire Department will respond to any call for help.

11. Will I be responsible for any of the charges if I become a member?

No. If you become a member of this low cost emergency service program, aside from your annual subscription fee of $48, no payment will be required of you; however, your insurance, Medicare, or Medi-Cal will be billed. If you are not a member, the usual fees for services rendered will be billed to the person receiving the services.