Garland city officials are proposing significant changes to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) fee schedule, aiming to better align charges with industry standards and improve revenue recovery. During a recent budget workshop, the Garland Fire Department presented a plan to raise fees for various EMS services, which have not been adjusted to reflect the actual costs of providing care.

Currently, the Garland Fire Department charges $675 for an Advanced Life Support (ALS) 2 call, which is below the Medicare allowable rate of $759.79. The proposed changes would increase this fee to $1,750, aligning it more closely with what commercial insurance companies are willing to reimburse. This adjustment is expected to enhance the department's revenue from EMS services, projecting an increase from $4.3 million to approximately $5.08 million annually.

The proposed fee schedule also includes adjustments for Basic Life Support (BLS) non-emergency calls, which would rise to $1,350, and a mileage fee increase to $24. Notably, the department plans to eliminate the distinction between resident and non-resident fees, instead implementing a resident write-off policy for uninsured residents. This means that if a resident cannot pay, their bill would be written off entirely, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to emergency services.

The department's leadership emphasized the importance of maximizing revenue from commercial insurers while also protecting the city's residents. They acknowledged that many uninsured residents face financial challenges and expressed a commitment to ensuring that those in need can still access emergency services without fear of overwhelming bills.

In response to concerns about communication, officials discussed strategies for informing the community about the new fee structure. They aim to deliver invoices that clarify charges and insurance options without creating fear of high costs, particularly for those who may hesitate to call for help due to financial concerns.

As the city moves forward with these proposed changes, officials are focused on balancing the need for adequate funding for EMS operations with the imperative to support the community's most vulnerable members. The council will review the proposal in upcoming meetings, with the potential for implementation in the near future.