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You'll NEVER Get a Bill

Every year, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Transport Reimbursement Law adds $18 million in revenue to our Fire & Rescue Services budget at no cost to County residents. In the first year, the added funds will:

  • Reduce emergency response times;
  • Purchase five ambulances, two fire engines, a rescue unit and other life-saving equipment;
  • Add more paramedics and firefighters so eight engine companies,13 ladder companies and four rescue squads have four-person staffing;
  • Fund facility maintenance and repair of every County-owned and volunteer fire station;
  • Provide personal protective equipment for career and volunteer firefighters;
  • Replace apparatus for engine and ladder companies, rescue squads and EMS units;
  • Fund maintenance, utilities and personnel for the new Travilah Fire Station;
  • Provide training and salaries for staff and new recruits; and
  • Restore some services and resources cut during lean budget times.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Transport Insurance Reimbursement Law?

Beginning January 1, 2013, the EMS Law authorizes Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service to seek reimbursement for ambulance transports from private health insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid.

Will I receive a bill if I call 911 for an ambulance?

No. County residents will never receive a bill or pay a co-pay, deductible or any out-of-pocket expenses. Whatever private insurers, Medicare, or Medicaid pay for ambulance rides will be considered payment in full. For those without health insurance, the ride is covered because you are a County taxpayer. No ambulance paramedic will ever ask you for insurance information.

How much money will the County receive from the EMS law?

The EMS Law will generate about $18 million a year – or $180 million over 10 years – without raising taxes, without raising fees, and without costing residents anything. One hundred percent of this money will be dedicated to the Fire & Rescue Service.

When private insurers are billed, will this raise my insurance premiums?

No. The costs of emergency services are already included in the premiums charged by insurers. Rates are set regionally and nearly all of our surrounding jurisdictions already have EMS reimbursement programs. Instead of the insurers paying reimbursements for emergency services, our taxpayers have been footing the bill, boosting profits for insurers.

Why do we need the EMS Law?

The State of Maryland has recently decided to shift over $400 million over 10 years in state teacher pension costs to Montgomery County. The State has also approved an inflexible “Maintenance of Effort” law on school funding that could force us to add at least $25 million to our reserves each year above and beyond what we already do. Our ability to provide basic services to residents may be seriously jeopardized without additional revenue.

How will the money raised by the EMS Law be used?

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service will use the reimbursements to improve and expand critically needed services that save County lives and property. By law, the money recovered from insurers will be dedicated to Fire & Rescue and cannot be used for anything else, freeing up taxpayer dollars for other critical County services, such as education; other public safety needs; the safety net for seniors and the most vulnerable; libraries; recreation centers; and road maintenance.

What if I have a problem related to the services I received that are covered by the EMS Law?

Under the EMS Law, a County Patient Advocate will address any questions and concerns and ensure the highest quality customer service.