Prices Are Rising For Emergency Care, Transport In PBC.
BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2021 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — It’s about to cost you more to ride in an ambulance to the hospital in Palm Beach County. If you are in an accident, have a heart problem, break your leg, or just aren’t feeling well, that call to 9-1-1 is is going to result in what you may consider to be a surprising bill.
The Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners is expected to approve a proposal from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue to increase the rates that have been in effect since 2018. Here’s what to expect.
In 2022, if you need basic life support, the response fee is $690. It’s the same for “advanced life support 1” — that’s basic emergency service. If you need advanced life support — traditionally you’re in bad shape — the cost is $850. Tack onto that $14 a mile to transport you to the hospital.
In 2023, basic life support will run $710 with advanced life support 2 rising to $870. The per-mile fee will increase to $14.50.
In 2024, basic life support will cost $730, with advanced life support 2 rising to $890. The per-mile fee will also rise to $15.
The bad news: you still have to pay even if you die. There is no money-back guarantee. The good news: most insurance providers cover at least part of an emergency response, and we are unaware of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue ever foreclosing on someone’s home for their inability to pay for an ambulance ride.
The new fees are expected to generate $727,183 in additional funds in 2022.
