Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Emergency Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
EMS reports rising call volume and encourages subscription to reduce out-of-pocket ambulance costs
Summary
Shaler/Hampton-area EMS presented monthly call data showing an increase in calls and said subscription plans can cut a patient's out-of-pocket ambulance cost by half. The service will publicize a community presentation on fraud and avoidance.
Representatives from the local EMS service reported call-volume increases and promoted an ambulance subscription program during the March 26 Hampton Township Council meeting.
The EMS speaker (staff member) said the service recorded 34 calls in Hampton for the month and noted year-to-date figures and cumulative totals for the broader service area: "Year to date, we're at 1,181 calls ... and 802 patients transported," the speaker said, adding the organization is seeing steady improvement in response-time metrics after changing how they measure time out the door.
The speaker explained the subscription program provides a 50 percent reduction in out-of-pocket ambulance expense for subscribers; the speaker cited a typical Medicare-related out-of-pocket charge of about $275 and said subscription coverage can meaningfully reduce that burden for residents. A council member offered a personal testimonial about the subscription reducing a family bill in the past.
EMS staff also said the service would offer a community presentation on fraud and scams targeted at seniors on Wednesday, April 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the community center; the presentation will include examples of recent scams and practical avoidance tips.
The council thanked EMS for the report and noted promotional materials would be posted at township facilities and on social media to encourage awareness of the presentation and of the subscription benefit.
