TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Fire |
Adrian Sheppard |
425-556-2201 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Fire |
Micheal Despain |
Deputy Fire Chief |
|
Fire |
Ameé Quiriconi |
Deputy Fire Chief |
|
Fire |
Jim Whitney |
Deputy Fire Chief |
TITLE:
title
Approval of the EMS Transport Fee Program
a. Ordinance No. 3179: An Ordinance of the City of Redmond Adopting a New Chapter 3.88 of the Redmond Municipal Code to Recover Certain Costs of Providing Basic Life Support Emergency Medical Services Transport, Providing for Severability, and Establishing an Effective Date
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The Fire Department proposes adopting an EMS Transport Fee to improve revenue in support of the current EMS program as well as come into alignment with all other Private and Fire-based EMS providers in Kings County and the majority of EMS transport systems throughout the state and nation.
We are requesting that Council approve Redmond Fire to implement an EMS Transport billing program and adopt the ordinance modifying the Redmond code to allow this program.
body
☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Redmond Fire Department - Strategic Plan 2022-2027
• Required:
RCW 35A.11.020, 35.27.370 (15)
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
1. If approved, the City of Redmond Fire Department is expected to generate approximately $650,000 in additional revenue in 2025, $950,000 in 2026, with a gradual increase each following year based on cost of service, inflation, and the continuation of the Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT) program provided through the State of Washington.
2. The City of Redmond will align with all other Private and Fire-based EMS providers in Kings County and the majority of EMS transport systems throughout the state and nation.
3. The City of Redmond, City of Bellevue, City of Kirkland and Fire District 34 have all agreed to align our billing procedures so there will be no “out of pocket” expense to any resident within this four-agency zone.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
In July 2024 the fire department began its community outreach through various methods
• Outreach Methods and Results:
July 2024 - Created FAQ page for the Fire Department website.
August/September 2024 - Presented program to Fire District 34, meetings with various community groups including OneRedmond,
• Feedback Summary:
All the comments so far are in support of the program as long as we retain the no “out of pocket” policy and have provisions for financial hardship cases.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
New costs related to the program: Approximately ($100,000) New Revenue: $950,000
Net Difference: +$850,000 with approximately $650,000 to City of Redmond and $200,000 to Fire District 34.
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
N/A
Budget Priority:
N/A
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
The program will require one (1) FTE
Funding source(s):
Fees for service
Budget/Funding Constraints:
Requires approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Washington Healthcare Authority to implement the program.
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
4/16/2024 |
Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services |
Receive Information |
|
5/14/2024 |
Study Session |
Provide Direction |
|
10/15/2024 |
Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services |
Provide Direction |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
The program will require approximately 30 days from council approval to implement.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
The General fund will continue to subsidize the program as well as the federal government and private health insurance providers.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: RFD BLS Ambulance Transport Fee Program - Presentation
Attachment B: City of Redmond Fire Department Basic Life Support (BLS) Ambulance Services Fee Study - NBS Report - September 23, 2024
Attachment C: New Municipal Code Chapter (with recommended initial fee amount)
Attachment D: Redmond Fire Department BLS Transport Billing Policy October 2024
Attachment E: Redmond Billing Policy Flow Chart
Attachment F: Redmond Fire Department BLS Transport Financial Assistance Policy 2024