Medicare covers ambulance rides when they are used for emergency situations and medically necessary to transport the patient to the nearest facility for care, and when other transportation would endanger the patient's health. The ambulance must be Medicare approved.
Medicare may cover ambulance rides for non-emergency services if there is a written note from the doctor stating that such transportation is needed to not endanger the patient's health. Instances where ambulance may be approved for non-emergency situations are for treatment for end stage renal disease, transportation to the doctor when the patient is bedridden, and when there is need for the medical services offered on the ambulance while making the trip.
Medicare covers emergency ambulance transportation when you need to be transported to a hospital or a skilled nursing facility. Keep in mind this transportation is when you've had a medical emergency and your health is in serious danger and you can’t be safely transported by a car or taxi. Medicare coverage depends on the seriousness of your medical condition and whether you could have been safely transported by other means. Medicare will only cover ambulance services to the nearest medical facility that can give you the care you need.
Medicare may cover ambulance rides for non-emergency services if there is a written note from the doctor stating that such transportation is needed to not endanger the patient's health. Instances where ambulance may be approved for non-emergency situations are for treatment for end stage renal disease, transportation to the doctor when the patient is bedridden, and when there is need for the medical services offered on the ambulance while making the trip.