Video: Edmonds starting to charge for ambulance trips

Larger screen

EDMONDS, Wash. – Starting next year, the City of Edmonds will begin charging for ambulance rides to the hospital in an effort to close a multi-million dollar budget hole.

"The 911 guys knows know our house. They've come there for two falls, a stroke and a heart attack," said Edmonds resident Richard Bean. He stands to bear some of the burden. Even with insurance, there’s the out-of-pocket price of a hefty co-pay.

And he may be one of the lucky ones.

"All the people that don't have insurance, it'll be hard for them," said resident Sidsel Brady.

The city will now charge between $475 and $800 to take patients to the hospital. That’s a pretty average number which the city never charged before.

“We're one of only two cities and fire districts in Snohomish County that don't charge for service," said Mayor Gary Haakenson. He says Edmonds faces a $2 million budget shortfall. Charging now for ambulance rides to the hospital could raise more than a half-million dollars a year.

"After January 1st, their insurance company will receive a bill for the service. Won't even go to the homeowner or whoever was taking the ride," said Haakenson.

The mayor says ambulance service will never be denied. He says payment arrangements will be made with those who don’t have insurance.