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CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
From:
Larry R. Pitzer, Fire Chief
Subject: Discuss and take possible action concerning
the repeal of EMS user fees.
Dept: Fire
Date:
March 29, 2006
MC/C Meeting Date:
April 3, 2006
Synopsis of Previous Council Action:
ORIGINAL
03/21/06
The Legislative Review Committee discussed the Emergency Medical Service Program user fee
and recommended that the existing fees be repealed.
06/08/05
Resolution 2005-147 the new master fee resolution and repeals resolution no. 2004-252.
02/17/04
Resolution 2004-58 repealing resolution no. 90-471 and increasing the fees.
11/19/90
Resolution 90-471 establishing emergency medical fees to be charged by the Fire Department and
adding Chapter 3.72 to the Municipal Code entitled "User Fees and Medical Services",
authorizing the collection of user fees and membership fees for Fire Department Emergency
Medical Services.
RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss and take possible action.
Si
Contact Person: Larrv R. Pitzer, Fire Chief
Phone: (909) 384-5286
Supporting data attached: Staff Report
Ward: Citvwide
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
Amount:
Source:
(Acct. No.)
Finance:
Council Notes:
Agenda Item No.2D
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STAFF REPORT
Subiect:
Discuss and take possible action concerning the repeal of EMS user fees.
Backl!round:
On November 19,1990, the Mayor and Common Council established emergency medical service
(EMS) user fees to recover costs associated with the delivery of paramedic services. The
Department currently charges $250 per call for advanced life support (ALS) and basic life
support (BLS) services. A companion voluntary membership program allows households to pay
a $24 annual membership fee, or $12 for low income households. Member households are not
billed the 5250 user fees for EMS services.
EMS user fees are covered by many insurance policies. Medicare does not cover EMS user fees,
so Medicare recipients cannot be charged for the service. Approximately 44% of revenues
received from the user fees are paid by insurance companies, with the remainder paid by the
service recipients directly.
The EMS user and membership fees are projected to generate $273,500 for FY 2005-2006.
Revenues have declined considerably in recent years due to changes in the contract with the
billing company that changed billing procedures. In FY 2000-01, this program generated over
$650,000 in revenue to the General Fund.
On March 21, 2006, the Legislative Review Committee (LRC) discussed the EMS user fee
program, and recommended that the existing fees be repealed. The Committee was essentially
concerned that the current billing practices result in an unfair fee structure.
At this time, staff is seeking direction from the Mayor and Council. If directed to repeal the fees,
staff will bring forward the necessary resolution. Alternatively, the Mayor and Council may
direct staff to revisit the billing system to structure an EMS fee program that addresses billing
concerns, and exempts seniors and low-income individuals. In either case, the Fire Department
will continue to provide emergency medical services to the community.
Financial Impact:
None by this action. If the Mayor and Council repeal the fees, General Fund revenues will be
reduced by approximately $273,500 annually.
Recommendation:
Discuss and take possible action.
4845-2972-3904.1