Council approves first EMS fee increase since 2012 to address rising costs

The New Orleans City Council voted to update the fee schedule for New Orleans Emergency Medical Services, marking the first adjustment to ambulance charges since 2012.

Council members and EMS officials said the change reflects sharply higher operating costs, including vehicle and equipment prices, medical supplies and staffing pressures. City EMS officials told the council that the department largely funds operations through patient billing rather than general tax revenue, and that reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers have not kept pace with rising costs.

Representatives from private ambulance companies operating in the region and the city’s EMS director testified in support of the increase, saying it would allow providers to maintain vehicles and personnel and to expand financial-assistance programs for patients who cannot pay. One provider said that the cost of a new ambulance has roughly doubled in recent years and that certain medical supplies remain in heavy demand and higher cost since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council members asked about consumer protections and how increases would affect patients’ out-of-pocket costs. EMS leaders said the city and permitted providers plan to strengthen financial-assistance policies, operate sliding-scale support tied to federal poverty guidelines and continue to seek higher reimbursements from payers where possible.

The council adopted the ordinance after public comment from EMS operators, consumer advocates and residents. The ordinance updates fees and directs EMS to expand its patient financial-assistance program and report back to the council on implementation.