By AP
Oologah, OK – NE Okla. ambulance service wants to assess $7 fee
OOLOGAH, Okla. (AP) Northwest Rogers county residents will be able to get information at a town-hall meeting in Oologah Tuesday night about a proposal aimed at saving their ambulance service.
Oologah-Talala Emergency Medical Services spokeswoman Brandi Pond says the ambulance provider is primarily funded through property taxes, but it isn't enough to cover all costs. Pond says the service averages about 70 calls a month, and higher fuel costs and decreasing Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements have created a funding gap.
As a result, Pond says the ambulance service has decided to partner with Verdigris Valley Electrical Cooperative in "Seven Ready," which calls for a $7 utility bill assessment starting Jan. 1.
With the fee residents don't have to pay out-of-pocket costs for an emergency transport, which can range from $1,200 to $1,500.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.