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Norton first reads ordinance to raise EMS billing rates; chief says residents’ out-of-pocket costs won’t increase under soft-billing policy
Summary
Norton Fire Chief presented an ordinance to raise ambulance billing rates to align with other Summit County departments; Chief Papp said the city’s 'soft billing' policy means most Norton residents will not see higher out-of-pocket costs.
Norton Fire Chief presented an amendment to the city’s emergency ambulance service billing rates and asked council to add the ordinance for a first reading. The ordinance, listed as Ordinance 50-12-025 in council documents, would update the city’s per-call billing schedule to bring Norton’s rates closer to the county average, according to the chief.
Chief Papp described the department’s current billing structure (as stated in the meeting): basic life-support, advanced life-support and ALS-2 categories, and a mileage charge. He told council that the current schedule dated to about February 2012 and that 16 of 25 neighboring jurisdictions already charge at or above the proposed levels. The chief proposed raising mileage from $14 to $16 per mile and increasing per-call categories to align with surrounding departments; he said the change would allow the city to recoup more revenue from insurance companies without changing the city’s soft-billing practice.
Chief Papp defined Norton’s soft-billing policy in the meeting: if a resident’s insurance does not cover the full charge, Norton bills the insurance portion and typically does not collect the remainder from taxpaying Norton residents. He said that under the proposed increase, "we wouldn't see an increase to the actual out of pocket for the city of Norton residents. This would be more of, we're able to recoup a little bit more money on the backside from the insurance companies." A council member said a preliminary projection suggested the change could generate up to $35,000 annually, though the chief cautioned that projections are uncertain while the city’s billing vendor transition is recent.
Council moved to add the ordinance to tonight's agenda for first reading; the clerk called the roll and the motion passed. The ordinance is at first reading only; subsequent readings or action are required before rate changes take effect.
