Uber Is the New Ambulance - People Are Broke

Uber Is the New Ambulance - People Are Broke

Thursday, May 21, 2026 22:26



Americans Are So Broke We Can't Even Call an Ambulance

Americans Are So Broke We Can't Even Call an Ambulance

Michael Bordenaro
392K subscribers
2.2K
28,579 views
8 hours ago

In this 21 May 2026 published video, host Michael Bordenaro talks about how Uber and Lyft are increasingly being used as makeshift ambulances because traditional emergency medical services are financially inaccessible and can leave patients with massive, unpredictable debt. A standard ground ambulance ride can cost between $1,000 to upwards of $3,000 depending on your location and the required life-support services. While President Biden signed a landmark law to protect patients from surprise out-of-network medical bills in 2022, ground ambulances were notably excluded from these protections, leaving patients vulnerable to exorbitant bills. An Uber to the emergency room will typically cost a fraction of the price, often ranging between $15 to $50.Studies show that when ride-sharing services become available in a city, per capita ambulance usage drops by at least 7 percent. While choosing a rideshare can save thousands of dollars, it comes with serious risks. Uber drivers are not medically trained, lack emergency equipment, and can cancel rides, which is something municipal ambulances are not legally allowed to do. For non-life-threatening issues, however, many emergency department professionals note that utilizing a rideshare can keep actual ambulances open for critical, life-or-death situations. Insurance companies are also taking notice of this trend, with some offering patients incentives—such as a $50 gift card—to use ride-shares rather than an ambulance for non-emergency medical appointments.



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