The *Daily Herald* recently published an article discussing a significant change in ambulance fees in Glen Ellyn. The village is set to increase charges for nonresidents and introduce new fees for certain emergency calls that were previously free of cost.
On Thursday, the village trustees unanimously approved three key changes to the fee structure, which will take effect on June 15, 2014. These adjustments are aimed at addressing the rising operational costs of the emergency medical services (EMS). According to Assistant Village Manager Al Stonitsch, "These fees are essential in helping the village maintain high-quality EMS. While they don’t generate profit, they do help cover some of the expenses."
In fiscal year 2012-13, the village spent over $1 million providing ambulance services but collected only around $744,000 in fees. This financial gap has prompted the need for these new fee structures.
Under the first adjustment, nonresidents will see a rise in fees for two advanced life-support services—by $103 and $219 respectively. The previous rates were $1,097 and $1,181. However, residents and those using basic life-support services will not see any changes in their current fees.
The second change introduces two new categories: one for patients who receive treatment but aren't transported, and another for citizen assist calls. Currently, the village doesn’t charge for these types of calls, which make up roughly 25% of all ambulance responses each year.
After researching 18 similar communities, officials found that many already charge for "treat/no transport" calls. For example, Naperville charges $50 for residents and $100 for nonresidents, while Hinsdale charges $450 and $650, respectively. In response, Glen Ellyn officials proposed fees of $100 and $150 for treat/no transport calls, and $50 and $100 for citizen assists.
Fire Chief Jim Bodony explained that the goal is to reduce unnecessary calls, particularly from elderly individuals who may have fallen or require minimal assistance. “We get the call because they’ve fallen and just need the fire department to get them back in bed,†he said. He also mentioned that some senior care facilities use EMS as a backup when they lack sufficient staff.
To address concerns about frequent users, the village had initially suggested a “three strike†rule, where patients wouldn’t be billed until their fourth citizen assist call. However, the board ultimately decided against this proposal.
Finally, the third change involves implementing an annual fee escalation clause, which will increase by either 2% or the Consumer Price Index—whichever is lower. This adjustment will begin in June 2016.
Thanks, Dan, for the information.
A previous post on funding for the Glen Ellyn VFD can be found here.
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