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SUBSCRIPTION
MEMBERSHIP
PROGRAM
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Here are answers to some questions you may have about Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Services'
SafeGuardTM
Program. If your question isn't answered here, please call SafeGuardTM
at (315) 686-3510 for further information.
Why do emergency medical services cost so much?
An ambulance "ride" is not just a ride to the hospital...it
is lifesaving emergency health care. When someone calls 911, it is believed that someone is experiencing a major
health problem. TIERS provides a highly-trained Paramedic and emergency vehicle driver team with
specialized, expensive equipment, medications and medical supplies that would mirror what would be done for the patient
initially at a hospital emergency room, including the involvement of a emergency room
physician via radio or telephone.
At a home or farm, on a boat dock, at a cottage, or in a
ditch off the highway, the Paramedic has advanced training and the equipment to
determine the possible seriousness of an injury or illness and can take steps
immediately upon arriving at the scene to begin treatment. In life
threatening-cases, it is those first few minutes that can be the difference
between life or death. Quick response times, properly trained paramedics and
fully-equipped ambulances are expensive to maintain 24 hours a day every day of
the year.
What could I expect my medical insurance to cover?
The coverage for emergency transport varies widely between providers. Many insurance companies
don’t understand much about emergency medical transportation. They guess at the cost without
really understanding what it costs us to provide good ambulance service in a rural area. Automobile insurance
covers all reasonable charges. Medicare covers 85% of the amount allowed for medically necessary
transports. A physician must certify the transport as medically necessary. Those without
insurance will be personally responsible for the bill. Joining the SafeGuardTM
program annually
will cover that portion of the bill your insurance won’t cover.
Who should buy a TIERS
SafeGuardTM Membership?
Town of Orleans and Town of Clayton residents and non-residents who work, travel, or reside in
Clayton or Orleans.
What does the TIERS
SafeGuardTM Program regard as a family?
For SafeGuardTM,
TIERS recognizes the Main Subscriber and spouse,
and all the dependents listed on their annual Internal Revenue Service tax return(s) during the
membership year as members.
What if a person is in the household but is not a dependent?
The person must have the same legal address and can be added to your Out of Pocket
Protection Plan for an additional $10.00.
Can I purchase the membership for someone else?
Of course! A SafeGuardTM
membership makes a great gift for aging parents, expectant and new parents, a loved one that is experiencing poor health,
or someone you wish to honor who is special to your life.
What is the enrollment period for
SafeGuardTM?
The yearly season of SafeGuardTM runs from May 1st to April 30th of
the following year.
You can enroll at anytime during the year but your membership will always expire on
April 30th of the following year. TIERS will mail current members a subscription renewal
during April of each year.
I am a seasonal resident, shouldn’t I get a price break?
To be able to provide high quality paramedic service for our seasonal residents and their
guests requires year-round training and administrative support. There are no discounts for
seasonal residents. For most seasonal residents, the basic package costs less than 60 cents per day.
Why should you consider the
SafeGuardTM
membership?
TIERS Out of Pocket Protection Plan is an important feature of the SafeGuardTM
program. Here's how it works:
In the event you or a covered member of your
family require transport to the hospital by
TIERS, we will bill your insurance for the
services rendered. Often insurance
companies and other health plans will not
pay the full amount billed for ambulance
service, however.
Normally, once we have received payment from
your insurance company, we would bill you
for any balance due. As a member of
SafeGuard
TM
, you will not be billed for the balance, no
matter what it may be.
If I am a
SafeGuardTM
member will I get solicited for an additional donation?.
Very possibly. Fees for service, annual tax support, and subscriptions still will not cover
all the costs of great Paramedic Service. You will be invited to express
your gratitude and appreciation…..
for the quality of life the River and its communities offer you and your family
For the good fortune and blessings that may have crossed your path.
For how much the River feeds your spirit and grounds you in what is really important in life.
for how much you care about the health of others who live, work, or play here
for the paid and volunteer caregivers that provide all the peace of mind we enjoy, knowing
they are ready to respond to our medical emergencies
for the health and safety
for future generations, including our children and grandchildren
To recognize a deceased loved one with a memorial gift that will ensure the health and safety of others.
To honor, with a
naming gift, an individual or organization that has made a difference in your life.
For a SafeGuardTM
membership application, please contact or visit TIERS or click on this link and print the
SafeGuardTM Membership Application,
which you can mail to us with your payment.
The SafeGuardTM
phone number is (315) 686-3510.
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