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D.3

To:	Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Board of Directors
From:	Lewis T. Broschard III, Chief, Contra Costa Fire Protection District
Date:	October 11, 2022

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Emergency Ambulance Billing and Collection Policies Update

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 10/11/2022

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, Director
Candace Andersen, Director
Diane Burgis, Director
Karen Mitchoff, Director
Federal D. Glover, Director

Contact:

Terry Carey, Assistant Chief 925-941-3300

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: October 11, 2022
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

ADOPT revised polices and procedures for the billing and collection of Contra Costa County Fire Protection District emergency ambulance services fees and charges.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The revisions to policy AMB-5 - Compassionate Care Program will expand the number of patients eligible for a partial waiver of balances owed, which may affect the amount collected for those accounts.

BACKGROUND:

On February 9, 2016, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Board of Directors adopted policies and procedures for the billing and collection for emergency ambulance services. The District has served as Contra Costa County's 9-1-1 ambulance provider since January 1, 2016. Over time, it has become apparent there is a need to modernize the ambulance billing policies to better meet the needs of patients and the District.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

Insurance companies do not always cover 100% of the cost of 911 services, and patients may be responsible for copays, deductibles, or the total cost of service. These costs can become overwhelming in today's ever changing economic times and the District is committed to providing superior emergency and non-emergency services to all patients regardless of their ability to pay. These updated policies are designed to better meet that goal, as well as ensure continued financial viability of the ambulance service system.

We ask that the Board of Supervisors consider adopting the revised ambulance billing policies.

CLERK'S ADDENDUM

Speaker: No name given.

ADOPTED revised polices and procedures for the billing and collection of Contra Costa County Fire Protection District emergency ambulance services fees and charges, to include additional descriptive wording to clarify certain billing at the Advanced Life Support (ALS) rate.