Selectmen approve ambulance rate increases effective Jan. 1, 2025

The Norwood Board of Selectmen approved a set of ambulance rate increases, effective Jan. 1, 2025, following a presentation from the town manager and Fire Chief Bailey on revenue shortfalls and comparative rates.

Chief Bailey summarized a multi‑year review showing the town had not kept rates current and that ambulance operations have been running a deficit relative to long‑term replacement and operating costs. "We went a long period without adjusting ambulance rates," Bailey said, noting a five‑year review identified a substantial shortfall. He described the town’s payer mix as roughly 25% private insurance and about 75% Medicare/Medicaid, the latter of which pays fixed amounts the town cannot change.

The chief said the billing company ProEMS handles collections and write‑offs and that Norwood has tried to keep rates competitive with neighboring communities; examples cited in the memo included local ranges with some towns billing less and others more. Board members asked whether mileage fees are a cap or an itemized charge; Bailey and the manager explained mileage is a per‑mile charge that some towns handle differently and that Norwood’s approach is intended to keep billing straightforward.

Selectman Delaney moved to approve the proposed increases, the motion was seconded by Selectman Lane, and the board voted unanimously to adopt the new ambulance rates effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Why this matters: ambulance transport charges are a significant non‑tax revenue source for the town and can help fund vehicle replacement and operations. The board said maintaining competitive rates and reviewing them annually helps minimize operating shortfalls.

Next steps: the manager and ProEMS will implement the new fee schedule in the billing system and notify insurers and Medicare/Medicaid processes as needed.