Oklahoma City residents will have an opportunity to participate in the City of Oklahoma City’s TotalCare Ambulance Program when it is implemented citywide on October 1, 2009.
Residents who participate in TotalCare will have the peace of mind of knowing they will not have to pay out-of-pocket expenses for EMSA emergency ambulance rides given to permanent residents living in their home.
Households will automatically be enrolled in the ambulance program, though you may choose to opt out during the month of September. The current charge for an emergency ambulance transport starts at $1100.
Watch the TotalCare PSA (WMV)
Opting Out
You can opt out during the month of September 2009 by calling Utilities Customer Service at (405) 297-2833 or through your online utility account at www.okc.gov. If you aren’t ready to establish and on-line account, you can still opt out by calling Utility Customer Service at (405) 297-2833 from September 1 through 30. By opting out you may be responsible for out of pocket expenses associated with treatment, should you require EMSA ambulance care.
If you choose to opt out, you will be able to change your election each September.
Opt out of TotalCare using your okc.gov account.
Cost
Cost is $3.65 per month, which will be billed on your water and trash utility bill. The first billing cycle begins in October 2009, which is the first day coverage begins for participants. Coverage for all participants begins October 1, 2009.
For renters:
Apartment owners are required to notify tenants if they choose to opt out of the TotalCare program. If your apartment has chosen not to participate, you can call (405) 396-2888 and sign up.
What is not covered
TotalCare does not cover non-emergency transports to and from doctors’ offices, dentists’ offices, physical therapy centers, pharmacies and other facilities. A non-emergency transport is an ambulance transfer that does not end at a hospital emergency room. Non-emergency transports are fully covered only if insurance or other third-party coverage covers a portion of the claim, and if a physician certification statement (establishing medical need for the ambulance transport) is provided. When no insurance or third-party coverage is available, TotalCare members pay a reduced fee (40 percent off the standard non-emergency rate) for medically necessary non-emergency transports.
Collection
EMSA will collect payment from participating resident’s insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. To receive TotalCare benefits, you must provide EMSA with your insurance/third-party payer information and furnish any information requested by your insurance company after a transport. Out of pocket expense will be covered by your TotalCare membership.
Oklahoma City Limits
It is not uncommon in Oklahoma City for residents to be confused about what city they actually live in. Many homeowners with a Yukon, Edmond or Moore address live in Oklahoma City and don't know it.
One of the factors that confuse this issue is the fact that the U.S. Postal service is not concerned about where you actually live. Your address is determined by which post office delivers your mail. The assignment of school districts adds to the mix-up as well.
This map can help you determine if you are a resident of Oklahoma City:
This information is also important to know when it comes to Oklahoma City elections.