Insurance can reduce ambulance costs

DOWNEY - Each year in February, the City of Downey offers all residents an opportunity to enroll in the Fire Department Emergency Medical Transport Program. Once enrolled in the program, all residents of apartments, condos and single-family homes are covered for their emergency transport originating in the city.The program is a supplemental insurance program that eliminates additional out-of-pocket expenses for residents who find themselves in need of emergency medical transportation. Without the supplemental coverage, the cost of each paramedic transport starts at $1,132. Basic life support transportation fees begin at $851. The program's annual subscription fee is just $43.25 and covers all permanent residents of the household. Fees collected from the program help to offset the costs of providing two fire department paramedic squads and a basic life support ambulance. Residents will receive the same level of service regardless of whether or not they subscribe to the supplemental coverage. Beginning this month, residents will notice an additional fee of $43.25 for the program added to their water and trash bill. To enroll in the program, simply include that amount with your water and trash bill payment. If you do not receive a water and trash bill, stop by the City Hall cashier window for an enrollment form or call (562) 904-7254 and a form will be mailed to you. -- Contributed by the Downey Fire Department

********** Published: November 27, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 32