Why American Ambulance Rides Are So Expensive and Unpredictable

Why American ambulance rides are so expensive

I argue that soaring ambulance costs stem not from corporate greed, but from a flawed payment model inherited from 1965 Medicare rules. Because we pay per ride rather than for the constant readiness required to save lives, patients face massive surprise bills. This economic disconnect turns ambulance services into option sellers, leaving millions to avoid calling for help due to fear of debt.

"The product is the readiness, not the ride; and the readiness has to be funded whether or not the ride ever happens."