Vermillion raises certain ambulance charges, adds ALS intercept and repeat lift‑assist fees

The Vermillion City Council adopted a resolution on May 4 revising ambulance fees to better recoup costs for advanced prehospital services and repeated nontransport assists.

Fire Chief Callahan explained changes and the rationale: Vermillion Ambulance now provides prehospital administration of blood products and advanced intercept services; to cover costs the department proposed a new ALS‑2 intercept charge of $450 when Vermillion assists another agency and provides advanced paramedic care. “When we do an intercept with another agency…we climb in their ambulance with all of our stuff. We transport to the hospital. That then allows them to bill at the advanced paramedic rate,” Chief Callahan said.

The resolution also proposed a $75 lift‑assist fee to apply only after an individual has had three lift‑assist requests in a calendar year; the first three lift assists would remain free and a call that becomes a medical transport would not count against the three free calls. Chief Callahan noted comparable charges in nearby jurisdictions — Yankton charges $75 and Aberdeen $100 — and said staff will coordinate with individuals and social services when repetitive calls occur.

Councilor Genewijn asked whether insurance typically picks up the ALS‑2 intercept charge. Chief Callahan said the bill is sent through the other ambulance service and that service bills the patient for transport and related services.

The council approved the resolution by motion; the meeting record notes the motion carried.