Ambulance Billing Information

Sandoval County Fire and Rescue recognizes that ambulance services are often needed at some of life’s most difficult times. As such, we strive to minimize the burden imposed on those receiving medical attention as well as on their families.

This page outlines why we charge for ambulance services and details ways you can work with the County to ensure that the billing process is as painless as possible. By working together, we can make sure our medical response system continues to meet citizens’ needs and expectations.

Note: Federal privacy requirements enacted under the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) restrict the release of personal health information. In order for the Sandoval County Fire Department to release protected health information, proof of authorization must be presented to the Ambulance Billing Division. Those requesting information will need to fill out an Authorization for Release of Information form and present valid ID before the County will release any information.

Download the release form: EMS Liability Release Form

The County accepts personal checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, cash, credit card, and debit card payments. Checks and money orders should be sent to the following address:

Sandoval County Fire and Rescue – Ambulance Billing
PO Box 639
Bernalillo, NM 87004

Please verify your Ambulance Balance before remitting payment. The Ambulance billing office is not responsible for payments made on the wrong accounts.

Online payments may be submitted using your VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, bank debit card, or by electronic transfer from your checking account. Patients are able to print a transaction receipt as confirmation of payment.

Electronic account transfers must be drawn on U.S. Banks and payable in U.S. Dollars.
We cannot accept any transfers from a foreign bank, or from any account without an American Bankers Association (ABA) routing number. These restrictions do not apply to credit and debit card payments.

All payments submitted online are subject to a user convenience fee. For credit card transactions, a fee of 2.29% of the payment amount will be added to your total payment. Debit card transactions will incur a fee of $3.50 per transaction, and e-checking account transfers will incur a flat fee of $1.00 per transaction.

For questions concerning an ambulance bill, you may contact the Billing Division. If a representative is not available, please leave a detailed message and your call will be returned within two business days.

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We are closed on Holidays.

Phone: (505) 404-5986
Automated Payment Line: 1-877-727-3090
Fax: (505) 867-6256
EMSBilling@sandovalcountynm.gov

In accordance with the state-wide ambulance tariff, approved by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission and adopted by the County or Rio Rancho’s Governing Body, the following rates apply to all ambulance services provided by the County:

• Advanced Life Support 2 = $878.00
• Advanced Life Support 1 = $607.00
• Basic Life Support = $512.00
• Response only/Patient Evaluation = $136.00

NOTE: Under the tariff, the County charges a fee of $12.75 per mile of transport.

After receiving ambulance services from Sandoval County Fire and Rescue, you will receive a bill for the total amount owed. (Applicable rates are included below.) The bill will contain a form where you can document insurance information and return. Once we receive your insurance information, we will promptly present the total amount owed to your insurance provider and attempt to collect payment. We will forward any remaining balance not paid by an insurance company to you. The balance of the full bill is ultimately your responsibility. Download and compete an Insurance Information Form: Ambulance Insurance Information Form (PDF)

NOTE: The Sandoval County Fire Department cannot accept insurance information unless it is accompanied by the signature of the insured (or authorized designee).

The County does not levy any assessments on tax payers to cover the cost of ambulance services. As such, the services provided are supported by user fees. These fees are set by tariff as approved by the State of New Mexico’s Public Regulation Commission and the County’s Governing Body. The current rates are included below.

The County will charge all customers for services rendered. Our EMT’s make every effort to collect as much information as possible at the time services are rendered; however, it is not always possible to collect enough information for the Billing Division to locate a customer. If you have not received a bill within thirty (30) days of receiving services, please contact a representative at: (505) 404-5986.

No. You have the right to refuse any treatment. In such case, however, you will be required to sign a release form acknowledging that you have refused the County’s services. You will thereafter not be billed as no services will have been provided.

If you are uninsured, your insurance denies your claim, or a balance remains after your insurance has paid, you will be responsible for the balance in full. Payment plans are available, with minimum increments of $20.00. Please contact our office to make arrangements.

Several options are available including establishing a payment plan as described above. In addition, programs such as the the Sandoval County Health Care Assistance Program  provide assistance for low-income residents. If you were the victim of a crime, the New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission may be able to offer assistance.

If an ambulance customer has passed away and left no insurance or estate through which to pay for ambulance charges, provide a copy of the death certificate via email or send by mail.