Council weighs changing ambulance billing to collect residents' co‑pays and deductibles amid mutual‑aid billing mismatch

City staff presented a detailed review of the city's ambulance transport billing program and two policy options to address emerging revenue and mutual‑aid complications.

Steve, the city's EMS presenter, outlined how current transport charges (BLS $500; ALS1 $600; ALS2 $750; plus $11/mile and a $125 assessment) are processed through insurers and how allowable charges and deductibles affect net collections. He warned that a shift to high‑deductible plans can leave the city with no recoveries on some transports. "With that trend, that threatens a long term sustainability of this revenue source and for fire services," he said.

Staff described two primary choices: (1) conform Hampton residents' billing to the same practice used by most neighboring cities (bill co‑pays and deductibles) to avoid incompatibility with Newport News automatic mutual aid; or (2) continue current resident billing practices and reconsider the structure of automatic mutual aid. Council members asked whether billing changes could deter 911 calls or affect mutual‑aid response; staff said dispatch and response priority can remain based on the closest unit but consumer behavior and billing confusion are a risk.

Staff emphasized that hardship waivers would remain in place and that any change would be brought back to council after public presentations and more Medicare examples. No direction was requested at the work session; staff will hold public briefings and return with refined recommendations.