For years, San Patricio Electric Cooperative members have enjoyed discounted rates on HALO-Flight memberships through a special billing arrangement. While our residential members still remain eligible for a discounted rate, HALO-Flight recently notified us that the cost is increasing.
Effective June 1, HALO-Flight subscriptions will increase from $1 per month to $3 per month. If you already have a subscription through the cooperative, you’ll notice the increased fee on the electric bill you receive at the end of June.
If you would like to cancel your subscription, you must contact HALO-Flight directly at 361-265-0509.
Despite the increase, SPEC members still receive sizable savings through this special billing arrangement. HALO-Flight’s Guardian subscription plan, which was previously $35 per year, has increased to $60 per year. At $36 per year, SPEC's discount still affords members 40% savings off the original value of the plan.
Additionally, there continues to be great value in the service. HALO-Flight is a non-profit air ambulance service that transports patients with emergency medical needs to the appropriate hospital by helicopter. This service can be especially lifesaving for anyone living in a rural area that’s far from medical services.
Your $3 monthly fee can go a long way if you ever find yourself in a medical emergency. The average helicopter transport can exceed $20,000 and the expense only rises the further you need to travel. However, if you ever need to be transported by air due to medical necessity, HALO-Flight will transport you and forgive or reduce that debt once all insurance options have been exhausted.
HALO-Flight members with medical and/or automobile insurance are not charged out-of-pocket for a necessary medical transport. The organization will bill your insurance company to recuperate any of the costs it may cover for your transport. Any payment it receives from your insurance company is typically considered payment in full.
However, even if you don’t have insurance, your transport costs can be greatly reduced as a HALO-Flight member. The organization offers a 50 percent reduction in transport costs for Guardian Plan members without insurance.
HALO-Flight coverage also extends to any dependents living in your household at no additional cost. You simply need to list them on your HALO-Flight membership application.
HALO-Flight serves 26 counties, or approximately 28,000 miles of South Texas. You and your listed dependents are covered anytime you are in this service area. The organization also has a reciprocal partnership with Dallas CareFlite, which will provide service to you within its service area if necessary.
If you’re interested in becoming a HALO-Flight member at SPEC’s discounted rate, you can sign up for the service through HALO-Flight.
The special rate and billing arrangement is available for residential SPEC members only. If you’re on Medicaid, state regulations prohibit you from becoming a HALO-Flight member. However, HALO-Flight will still transport you if medically necessary.
Should you discontinue your electric service with SPEC, your HALO-Flight membership will automatically terminate 30 days after your account has been final billed. If you choose to terminate with your HALO-Flight membership at any other time, you need to contact HALO-Flight directly at 361-265-0509.