Foxwall EMS launches annual subscription drive

Foxwall EMS, the main ambulance company of Fox Chapel and Aspinwall, has launched its annual subscription drive.

Mailers were sent out this month to homes and apartments in both boroughs.

The company saw a 22% return on the thousands of subscription forms that were sent out last year. The drive generated a little less than $66,000.

“We hope with our new online portal, we can get that percentage up this year,” acting Chief Gino Mollica said.

The subscription drive covers about 8% of the estimated $824,000 annual operating budget. Foxwall EMS has 19 paramedics and 23 EMTs on staff.

“As a private, nonprofit organization, Foxwall relies on donations and subscriptions from the community,” Mollica said. “Your financial support allows us to continue to provide the highest level of prehospital emergency medical care by expanding facilities, improving equipment and technology, and enhancing operations.”

Benefits of getting the tax-deductible subscription include having to pay no out-of-pocket expenses for emergency ambulance services provided by Foxwall.

Transports can range between $800 to $1,600 depending on the life support services provided and mileage, according to Foxwall’s website.

Nonsubscribed households are responsible for their insurance co-pay, which could be $450 or more.

Foxwall will not bill subscribers for any costs not covered by their insurance company. And it honors other EMS subscriptions of visitors should they need emergency transportation in the boroughs.

Subscription costs are $100 for individuals, $125 for families and $70 for seniors 65 and older.

It also is available for businesses. Those costs are $100 for companies with one to 10 employees, $200 for those with 11 to 39 employees and $500 for those with 50 or more employees.

Mollica said having a subscription is a win-win for residents and medical providers.

“Sadly, ambulance agencies across the United States are facing financial crises as insurance reimbursements dwindle and operating costs increase,” the chief said. “Your support is crucial to the high-quality care we love to deliver. Join hands with us in safeguarding our community’s health and safety.”

People can sign up online through foxwall.org or pick up subscription forms at the Aspinwall or Fox Chapel borough buildings.

Mail those forms and a check payment to the EMS station at 749 Hemlock Hollow Road, Fox Chapel, PA 15238.

For details, call 412-963-6611, ext. 1001, or email info@foxwall.org.