Council hears competing testimony on proposed ambulance-rate increase

Councilmembers heard competing views during public comment on item 0.17, a proposed adjustment to ambulance rates. Jos Parker, a paramedic in Los Angeles for 15 years, told the council the increase would help keep ambulances equipped and ensure technicians earn 'dignified, fair wages,' noting providers have not seen an increase since 2022.

Justin Meister, representing PR and A Ambulance, urged the council to adopt the Transportation Committee's report recommending a rate increase and opposed a proposed modification that would make the city's rate a hard 'maximum,' saying a cap could force providers out of the market and reduce service continuity. "This model creates an unsustainable race to the bottom," Meister said.

Yussinia Menzur, senior director of government and community relations for Kaiser Permanente, testified against item 0.17, calling it 'bad policy' and saying hospitals and patients would bear the cost of the increase. Menzur said the proposal could add about $25,000,000 annually in interfacility transport costs and urged council members to consider affordability impacts before approving the measure.

The council also heard from an industry association representative who recommended adopting a county-style methodology that sets a maximum rate subject to negotiation, and from other stakeholders who urged the council to coordinate with providers and the county before voting. Council members referred item 0.17 and a pending amendment back to committee for further consideration and budget review, directing Transportation and Budget staff to report back.

The hearing closed without a final vote on 0.17; the council voted to send the item and its amendment back to committee so the proposed rate methodology and fiscal impacts can be examined further.