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Camden County board approves increase to ambulance transport fees in 4–1 vote
Summary
After debate about affordability for uninsured and Medicaid patients, commissioners approved raising ambulance transport fees to match Medicare-allowable rates (discussion included a proposal to match regional averages); the motion passed 4–1.
The Camden County Board of Commissioners approved an increase in ambulance transport fees during its August meeting, voting 4–1 to raise charges to align with Medicare-allowable rates as presented by county EMS leadership.
EMS Director Jenny told the board that a third-party billing company identified several county transport rates that did not match Medicare-allowable payments. Commissioners discussed whether to set fees at Medicare-allowable levels or to match the average rates charged by neighboring counties that use the same billing vendor. One commissioner argued for matching the regional average to reduce competitive disparity, while others expressed concern about the impact on uninsured and Medicaid patients.
County staff said write-offs already occur for small balances and that accounts over 90 days are referred to collections; staff estimated some revenue increase and noted mechanisms exist to adjust or write off balances for patients who cannot pay. After debate, the board voted to adopt the proposed rate increase; the motion passed with one commissioner opposed.
The change will alter fee schedules used by the county’s billing company; EMS staff said they will implement the new rates and monitor accounts receivable and write-offs. Commissioners did not specify a phased implementation timetable during the meeting; county staff will follow up with billing details and reporting on revenue impacts.
