The Jamaica Estates - Holliswood - South Bayside Volunteer Ambulance Corps has an annual operating cost of over $100,000. These operating expenses include, medical supplies, insurance, ambulance maintenance, fuel, printing, headquarters maintenance and electricity, training, etc.

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sources of funding

Fund drives are conducted twice a year through direct mailings to every residential and business address in our area. Donations are accepted for blood pressure screening and the loan of invalid and sick room equipment.

Routine ambulance bills in NYC range from $500 to $800. Although everyone connected with the squad is a volunteer and receives no compensation, there are expenses such as utilities, insurance, gasoline that have to be paid. Starting in 1995 we began third party billing of Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies at a minimum rate to supplement community contributions and help cover ever rising expenses to run the ambulances and headquarters. Although we are required by regulation to bill everyone, we do have policies that cover those without insurance or who cannot pay deductibles not covered by insurance. No one is ever denied our services for the lack of ability to pay.

In the last few years we have received NY State Legislative and NYC Council grants for some operating expenses. In past years we have received grants from the New York State Dept. of Health and Dept. of State to purchase a defibrillator, personal computer and radio system.

We have no regular corporate sponsors although we have applied for and received competitive grants from major NYC banks and public utilities on an occasional basis. We are not a United Way agency.

Most of our funds still come from contributions from individuals and small neighborhood businesses.