Subscription Program Offers Peace of Mind
by Nancy Wood
July 1, 2010, pg 12

The Charlotte Volunteer Rescue Service (CVRS) has introduced a new subscription program, similar to programs in Shelburne, Vergennes, Middlebury and Richmond. According to Rescue Chief Robert Stone, “Sometimes people don’t call for an ambulance because they are afraid of the cost.” He said that people wait until their condition has become very serious before calling, when it would have been better to call right away. They are afraid they don’t have enough insurance to cover the cost, or that they will be hounded by a collection agency.
With a subscription, which costs $40 per year, Stone says, “They don’t have to worry about a big bill.” The only bill due will be that which is covered by insurance. The deductible, co-pay, or balance of the bill will not be passed on to you. Uninsured patients who subscribe to CVRS will not be billed for services. Medicaid patients are already fully covered for services by Medicaid.

Even if Shelburne or Vergennes responds to the call, the subscription will be honored. Charlotte has mutual aid agreements with those towns, and Charlotte has honored the programs that those rescue services have in place.
The subscription covers all members of a household, and is good for a year from July 1 through June 30. Rescue Services sent out a flyer in June, and has begun receiving applications.

With or without a subscription, anyone with an emergency need should feel confident calling 911 immediately for an ambulance. The Rescue Service responds to all calls, and in many cases insurance covers the bulk of the cost. An average emergency transport bill is about $400.

Volunteers needed! Now is a good time to volunteer for the Rescue Service. An Emergency Care Attendent Program, which includes CPR and other emergency first aid instruction, is beginning in August. If you would like more information on the subscription program, or would like to sign up to volunteer, call the Fire/Rescue station at 425-3111.