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Loudon officials weigh ambulance fee options after balance-billing change
Summary
The town's emergency-services chief told Selectors the ambulance service handles more than 300 calls a year and presented three fee options after state changes to balance-billing rules; the chief will return with three pricing scenarios and staff recommendations at the next meeting.
The town's emergency-services chief told the Selectors the ambulance service handles "300 plus calls a year" and is preparing options for adjusting fees after state changes ended private insurer balance billing.
The chief outlined three options: leave rates unchanged, make modest adjustments, or adopt the statutory maximum of 325% of Medicare. He cautioned that adopting the full 325% could expose residents to very large bills and create revenue volatility if the state Department of Insurance later resets an acceptable ground-ambulance rate after a planned two-year study. "I don't feel good about going that full 325%," the chief said.
The chief estimated the town could experience roughly $60,000 in lost revenue if it does not compensate for the end of balance billing from private insurers. To offset that loss, he suggested possible increases to the loaded-mile mileage charge (currently $24) and noted the base transport rates have not been adjusted since about 2020.
He also emphasized local protections for residents, saying the town offers payment plans and previously granted write-offs for those who demonstrate an inability to pay. "There's always an avenue at that point for an individual to pursue," he said.
The chief said he will prepare and present three pricing options based on current pricing, including mileage and base-rate adjustments, at the board's next meeting for the Selectors to review. The Selectors did not take a vote on rates at this meeting; the board will decide after it reviews the draft proposals.
