The price of taking an ambulance to the hospital in much of the Tulsa area may get more expensive.
Citing increased costs, including mounting legal fees for a federal lawsuit, the Emergency Medical Services Authority Board of Trustees approved Wednesday a $400 increase in its transport fee. The total fee for Tulsa, Sand Springs, Jenks and Bixby would be $1,700.
EMSA rates last went up in 2012, and the board typically reviews them every four to five years. With legal fees nearing $2 million for a lawsuit accusing EMSA President and CEO Stephen Williamson of violating anti-kickback laws, however, the request for a fee increase planned in 2019 was moved up.
A whistleblower's lawsuit alleges EMSA and Williamson set up a "pay to play" scheme with a former ambulance contractor in Texas, and that Williamson used the arrangement to set up an "all purpose slush fund."
The EMSA trustees were also told increased capital and personnel costs make the fee increase necessary.
The Tulsa City Council must approve the increase. EMSA wants it to take effect Sept. 1.
