FAQs • Shreveport, LA • CivicEngage

What is the purpose of the EMS LifeCare Program?: EMS LifeCare is an ambulance membership program that is offered by the Shreveport Fire Department to the public in order to help reduce the high cost of emergency ambulance services. It is not insurance, but acts as a supplement to your current insurance to offset any portion of the bill that your insurance does not cover.
For example: If you have an insurance policy from provider “A” and the policy only covers 40% of the ambulance transport costs, that means you are responsible to pay the other 60% out of pocket. EMS LifeCare picks up the remaining 60% of the transport costs leaving you with no out-of-pocket transport costs.

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EMS FAQs

1. What is the purpose of the EMS LifeCare Program?: EMS LifeCare is an ambulance membership program that is offered by the Shreveport Fire Department to the public in order to help reduce the high cost of emergency ambulance services. It is not insurance, but acts as a supplement to your current insurance to offset any portion of the bill that your insurance does not cover.
For example: If you have an insurance policy from provider “A” and the policy only covers 40% of the ambulance transport costs, that means you are responsible to pay the other 60% out of pocket. EMS LifeCare picks up the remaining 60% of the transport costs leaving you with no out-of-pocket transport costs.

2. What if I don’t have insurance to cover Ambulance transport costs?: EMS LifeCare membership will cover the full cost of the transport.

3. If a citizen were to become an EMS LifeCare member who is covered within the membership?: Your membership in EMS LifeCare will cover the uninsured portion of the cost of emergency ambulance services for you, your spouse, and any other qualified dependents as determined by the IRS and living at the address listed on this application.

4. Is there a cost associated with the EMS LifeCare program or is the service provided free to the citizens of Shreveport?: The service is not free. There is a $35.00 annual cost associated with EMS Life Care Program.

5. What is the period that I can apply for EMS LifeCare?: Open enrollment begins April 1st and closes May 31st of each year

6. What is the period of coverage for EMS LifeCare?: The period of coverage is from June 1st of the current year to May 31st of the following year.

7. Will you still accept my EMS LifeCare Membership after the open enrollment period closes?: Yes. However, the membership will only be valid from the date of purchase until
May 31st of each year. For example, if you purchase a membership in January, it will only be valid for the few months leading up to May 31st. At that time you will need to reapply for membership at the same $35.00 cost.

8. Does the EMS LifeCare Membership program cover non-emergency transports such as trips to the doctor’s office?: No! The Shreveport Fire Department only transports on an emergency basis.

9. What constitutes an Emergency per Shreveport Fire Department guidelines?: An Emergency is defined as any circumstance which results in injury or illness that calls for IMMEDIATE action and in which the element of time in transporting the sick or injured for medical treatment is essential to the health or life of such a person.
Example: Motor Vehicle Collision, Cardio-Respiratory problems, Acute Neurological deficits, etc.,

10. Does EMS LifeCare Membership cover transports by any other agency?: No. It just applies to transports made by the Shreveport Fire Department.

11. If I live outside the city limits of Shreveport but spend a large part of my time in Shreveport, may I apply?: Yes. However, keep in mind that the membership only applies to transports made by the Shreveport Fire Department and no other agency or company.

12. My address is inside the city, but not annexed into the city. Can I still purchase EMS LifeCare?: Yes. However, keep in mind that the membership only applies to transports made by the Shreveport Fire Department and no other agency or company. If a fire district typically responds to your location, and they transport you or a family member to the hospital, then you would not be covered by EMS LifeCare membership.

13. I made a payment by check or money order. Why do I mail it to a New Orleans P.O. Box?: The New Orleans P.O. Box is the main mailing box for ACS Billing (Aeromedical Collection Services), the billing company of Shreveport Fire Department.