McDONOUGH— Henry County’s ambulance transportation rates may soon increase, should county commissioners approve the Fire Department’s proposal.
During a special called meeting Tuesday morning, Henry County Deputy Fire Chief Harry Sherwood said the department is seeking the increase to be in line with the national average.
“The last billing increase was in 2012. We’re way behind as far as national collection and our rates,” said Sherwood.
For example, Henry County charges $500 for basic life support transportation when the national average is $711, he said. While many counties currently charge more than $1,000 for advanced life support (ALS) 1, the proposal seeks to increase the fee from $600 to $900. The proposal suggests an increase in the ALS 2 fee from $725 to $1,100, and mileage from $10 to $15.
“We’re leaving money on the table that Henry County could be collecting, just to bring us to current standards,” said Sherwood. “The proposal is to bring us back to within what the national average is bringing in.”
Lauren Elam, of Ambulance Medical Billing, said by increasing the rates, the county could capture more on commercial insurance. The proposed increases would bring in a conservatively estimated $400,000 to $450,000 a year, Elam said.
“By increasing the rates, we can capture more on the commercial insurance. The increase from the most part would be coming from commercial insurance,” she said.
The county’s ambulance service collects about 80 percent of its billed services, or about $5.5 million per year, according to Elam.
Commissioner Dee Clemmons voiced concern with the increase, referencing uninsured patients who may not be able to afford it. She wanted to ensure that the payment plans for patients be included in the proposal.
“I don’t want them to be afraid to call the ambulance because they know the bill will be increased,” Clemmons said.
Elam said payment plans are currently available to patients and will be included in the proposal.
“We will work with anyone on payments,” said Elam.
Assistant County Manager Brad Johnson said the proposal will be brought forth for a vote during the upcoming BOC meeting.
Lauren Elam, of Ambulance Medical Billing, said by increasing the rates, the county could capture more on commercial insurance. The proposed increases would bring in a conservatively estimated $400,000 to $450,000 a year, Elam said.
“By increasing the rates, we can capture more on the commercial insurance. The increase from the most part would be coming from commercial insurance,” she said.
The county’s ambulance service collects about 80 percent of its billed services, or about $5.5 million per year, according to Elam.
Commissioner Dee Clemmons voiced concern with the increase, referencing uninsured patients who may not be able to afford it. She wanted to ensure that the payment plans for patients be included in the proposal.
“I don’t want them to be afraid to call the ambulance because they know the bill will be increased,” Clemmons said.
Elam said payment plans are currently available to patients and will be included in the proposal.
“We will work with anyone on payments,” said Elam.
Assistant County Manager Brad Johnson said the proposal will be brought forth for a vote during the upcoming BOC meeting.
