Council sends proposed ambulance rate changes back to committee after mixed public comment

The City Council voted to send Item 17 — a proposed update to private ambulance rate methodology and a rate adjustment — back to committee for further study and negotiation.

Public comment showed divided stakeholder views. Mikaela Gibson of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association asked the council to adopt a maximum allowable rate like Los Angeles County’s approach, warning that a flat, non‑maximum rate would remove hospitals’ ability to negotiate lower prices and could increase costs for hospitals and patients. "A flat rate, as written, removes that flexibility and can lead to higher costs," Gibson said.

Representatives of private ambulance providers and emergency medical personnel urged the council to accept LADOT’s proposed methodology and the committee report. Josh Parker, a Los Angeles City paramedic, said the adjustment would help providers keep ambulances equipped and staff paid. Justin Mizer of PRN Ambulance warned that a maximum‑only approach would "create a race to the bottom" and could drive providers from the market.

Health systems pushed back. Yesenia Mansour of Kaiser Permanente said the proposed 30% increase (on top of a recent prior increase) could add roughly $25 million a year in costs for Kaiser members and place an unfair burden on hospitals.

Councilmember Hutt moved to refer Items 17 and 17a back to the Transportation Committee and, at another member's request, also to Budget & Finance; the council approved the referral without objection. The council did not adopt the substantive rate language at this meeting.

Next steps: Transportation and Budget & Finance committees will continue negotiations and return recommendations to the full council.