Proposed Increases in Ambulance Fees Cause Concern

The potential changes in prices for emergency services are unsettling.

The FDNY is looking at significant hikes—likely in the double digits—for ambulance and emergency care costs. The department attributes this to inflation and upcoming raises for union employees, which it claims is putting financial strain on patients.

If the proposed increases go through, calls for ambulance services via 911 might see a 29% rise, whereas costs for “appropriate treatment” services could soar by as much as 42%.

“The Fire Department is recommending this adjustment to help cover the rising costs associated with delivering these services in the city,” the FDNY noted in a statement.

According to the statement, “The suggested rates account for increased personnel and operational costs for emergency ambulance services, and aim to lessen the financial burden on city taxpayers.”

Currently, EMS workers’ contracts have lapsed and they are poised for raises under new agreements. Notably, this would mark the first adjustment to medical transportation fees since May 2023.

Should the changes take effect, a standard “basic life support” ambulance trip could jump from $1,385 to $1,793, while services from an ambulance doctor would rise from $630 to $896.

The costs for advanced life support levels 1 and 2 are set to increase by about 30.7%.

For instance, Level 1 life support transportation would increase from $1,680 to $2,196, and Level 2 would rise from $1,692 to $2,012.

The current rate of $20 per mile for hospital transport will stay the same.

Also, the cost for administering oxygen will be $66.

At this time, there’s no active labor contract between the FDNY and its EMTs and paramedics, but payroll increases are generally gauged from collective bargaining trends established with unions representing other city employees.

“It’s important to note that this rate doesn’t necessarily reflect what the fire department ultimately accepts from government and private health insurers for ambulance treatment and transport services,” the department clarified.

The union that represents paramedics and their supervisors has criticized the wage imbalance. They pointed out that paramedics are compensated less than firefighters and other emergency personnel, which is adding to staffing shortages and longer wait times for responses.

“While the city may be increasing ambulance service fees, unless it tackles the significant pay discrepancies affecting EMTs—most of whom are Black, Hispanic, and women—there won’t be enough qualified workers for ambulance driving and emergency care,” argued union leaders Oren Barzilai and Vincent Valreal.

Mr. Barzilai heads Local 2507, which includes EMTs and Medical Examiners, while Mr. Valreal leads Local 621 of the Uniformed Emergency Medical Services Employees Union.

In their statement, union leaders highlighted, “The extreme wage gaps are driving many paramedics to leave their positions, as they can no longer sustain themselves on their current salaries. It’s predicted that about 1,500, or roughly 37% of the paramedic workforce, may retire in 2026, creating a troubling trend of staff leaving that could delay response times.”

“The entire emergency response structure is nearing breaking point, which could literally lead to life-or-death situations for New Yorkers.”

Union representatives are hopeful that Mayor Zoran Mamdani will consider addressing the wage issues affecting paramedics alongside other city personnel.

A public hearing on the suggested fee increases for ambulance services is set for May 15.