FDNY plans to hike cost of ambulance rides by 29%, increase on site emergency treatment by 42%
The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) is considering a significant increase in ambulance and emergency medical bills, citing inflation and upcoming pay raises for union workers as the primary reasons for the proposed hikes. The potential price hikes could see ambulance rides through the 911 system surge by 29%, while “treatment in place” services could skyrocket by a staggering 42%.
According to the FDNY, the proposed rate adjustments are necessary to offset the increased costs of providing emergency medical services and to reduce the burden on city taxpayers. The last increase in medical transport fees and services was implemented in May 2023, making this potential hike the first in several years.
Under the proposed changes, the cost of a basic life support ambulance ride would jump from $1,385 to $1,793, while treatment in place services provided by ambulance medics would increase from $630 to $896. Advanced life support services at Levels 1 and 2 would see a 30.7% fee hike, with Level 1 life support trips increasing from $1,680 to $2,196 and Level 2 from $1,692 to $2,012.
Despite the lack of a settled labor contract between the FDNY and EMTs and paramedics, the department is factoring in potential labor cost increases based on collective bargaining agreements with other city worker unions. However, the proposed rates do not necessarily reflect the amounts accepted as payment from government and private health insurance plans.
Union leaders representing ambulance workers and supervisors have criticized the wage gap between EMS workers and other uniformed first responders, highlighting the disparities in pay that contribute to a staffing crisis and longer response times. They are calling for the city to address these pay discrepancies to ensure an adequate supply of trained medical personnel for emergency care.
A public hearing on the proposed increase in ambulance fees is scheduled for May 15, where stakeholders will have the opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions on the potential rate hikes. The union leaders are urging Mayor Zohran Mamdani to take action to bridge the pay gap for EMS workers compared to other city employees to prevent a looming crisis in the emergency response system.
