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First reading: Georgetown considers franchise for Acadian ambulance transfer service
Summary
Council heard the first reading of an ordinance granting Acadian Ambulance Service a medical transfer franchise; staff emphasized rate oversight, response‑time expectations and protections against incentivized transfers, and council asked about balance billing and Medicare/Medicaid ties.
The fire chief presented a first reading of an ordinance to grant Acadian Ambulance Service of Texas LLC a franchise to operate a medical transfer service in Georgetown. The chief described the franchise as a best practice that provides fiscal oversight, standardized service levels and rate reporting; he noted response‑time requirements such as a 9‑minute expectation for 9‑1‑1 calls and time‑based standards for scheduled interfacility transfers.
Councilmembers asked how rate changes and balance billing are handled and whether rates are tied to Medicare/Medicaid. The chief said Acadian provided contract rates and rack rates in the application and the city reviews rate proposals; he noted Medicare sets payment floors and the city cannot compel providers to limit charges to Medicare allowable rates. Council approved the ordinance on first reading.
