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Palm Beach County commissioners direct staff to pursue collections for $12.1 million in unpaid EMS transport bills
Summary
Commissioners expressed broad support for pursuing collections of long-uncollected emergency medical transport fees, asked staff for more data and a policy with relief options, and noted roughly $8.4 million in self-pay accounts and a $12.1 million annual write-off figure.
Palm Beach County commissioners on Oct. 7 signaled they want staff to pursue collection of long-unpaid emergency medical services (EMS) transport bills—while asking for more data and a policy that includes relief pathways for residents who cannot pay.
Commissioners discussed an estimated $12,100,000 in proposed write-offs for EMS transports, with roughly $8,422,611 categorized as “self pay” (no insurance information attained or nonpayment). The board did not adopt an immediate ordinance or contract change; instead it directed staff to develop policy options, gather more detailed data on repeat users and payer breakdowns, and return with recommendations.
Why it matters: Commissioners described the unpaid balances as taxpayer dollars left “on the table” and asked staff to balance collection with safeguards for indigent residents. Several commissioners insisted any collection program include a…
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