A short ambulance ride normally costs well over $1,000, but the Morgan County Ambulance Service is offering a program that keeps costs for enrollees at $75 or less.

Nov. 30 is the last day of open enrollment in the MCAS subscription program, which allows Morgan County residents to prepay for ambulance service at a reduced cost.

After paying an annual fee, participants won't be charged if the Morgan County Ambulance Service transports them to any hospital.

Participants can choose from several different plans, none of which cost more than $75.

Since health insurance companies will help pay for ambulance service, rates for those with insurance are slightly lower.

"We will take payment f rom the insurance company, and you won't be responsible for the rest of the bill," said Bridget Harris, national registered EMT intermediate for the MCAS.

MCAS ambulance service normally costs $875 plus $21 per mile driven, Harris said.

The annual rates for the various subscription plans are: Single $35; family $50; senior single $25; senior couple $40; uninsured single $50; uninsured family $75; non-students 18+ $15; long-distance transfer $10.

Though open enrollment ends this month, individuals can sign up at any time throughout the year.

Enrollees will be covered until November 2010, at which time the plans must be renewed or they expire.

For more information or to apply for enrollment, contact MCAS at 970-542-3570.