SANFORD, Fla.,None — Monday Sanford commissioners will look at raising the ambulance transport fee.
People who have insurance would likely be the ones who pay the most in extra bills. Sanford officials said they need to raise rates because the city is not bringing in enough money to cover costs.
David Boone worries about the affect it would have on people in his community.
“Any increase in a medical service like that is going to be a huge impact for people,” said Boone.
Under a proposal drawn up by Sanford officials, the rate for a standard emergency transport would jump more than $200. The amount charged per mile would increase by 45 percent.
“I can understand them wanting to raise rates but big chunks are hard,” said Sanford resident Evelyn Taylor.
Every year Sanford pays $2.3 million for ambulance service but it only brings in $760,000 in fees. The tax payers of Sanford pick up the difference. City officials are trying to close the gap.
“We have to have these services and we have to figure out a way to pay for them,” said Sanford resident Marty Copeland.
Some will pay more than others. A spokesman for the insurance company Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida told WFTV on Sunday that under their plans ambulance rides are separate from other medical bills. The company will pay a set percentage, any increase would be passed on to customers.
Medicare pays 80 of what the government deems is a fair rate but beneficiaries are stuck with the rest plus a $140 deductible.
“It puts a hardship on everyone but with the costs of gasoline and everything going up, I don’t think they have a choice,” said Copeland.
City officials point out that even with the increases, ambulance rates in Sanford would still be below the central Florida average.
Sanford commissioners will discuss the rate hikes on Monday. A vote has not yet been scheduled.
WFTV
