In the coming weeks voters will have the opportunity to settle the question of ambulance billing once and for all at a Special Town Meeting. This issue has distracted the ambulance squad from its primary mission for the past four years and it is imperative that we come to a final agreement that will be respected as such by all parties involved.
As an EMT and member of the department, I find myself in a minority that is unopposed to billing. I have patiently listened to and thoroughly read anti-billing talking points, but have not been swayed. Conversely, the pro-billing facts seem straightforward and wholly beneficial to the town and ambulance department.
Calling this proposal “ambulance billing” was not the best choice of words. “Ambulance reimbursement” is a more representative title of the actual plan. Every ambulance call costs the town about $214; health insurance companies put money on the table to reimburse the town (at a rate higher than our actual costs). We are one of the only towns in the commonwealth (in fact I could locate no other) that refuses to accept the money. I equate this to repairing our roads and then saying “no” to Chapter 90 funds from the state.
The selectmen have made it clear that no one will be paying a cent out-of-pocket. The town will only be asking for money from health insurance companies and will accept whatever amount they are willing to pay, which could total as much as $100,000 per year. The only increased expense to the town would be the 3.5 percent taken by the third party billing company who will handle all associated paperwork.
These additional “no cost” dollars will allow the town to redirect the department’s yearly appropriation of about $35,000 to cover omnibus budget increases without raising taxes. Ambulance receipts will also allow the ambulance squad more flexibility when it comes time to replace the hugely expensive ambulance and make capital improvements without having to request additional funds from taxpayers’ pockets.
I see myself as a volunteer giving something back to Harvard. Our role is no different than those on the PTO, pond committee, or any other volunteer organization or board. We are lucky enough to be fully funded by the town and unlike most groups do not have to worry about constant fundraising. If we can help the sick and injured and help the town’s finances at the same time, I’m all for it.
It is unfortunate that many former and current members see billing a different way. Many of their letters imply that they quit because they felt they were not treated with respect by the Board of Selectmen. I hope that as a community we can separate these two different (but connected) issues and make the choice that is in the best interest of the town.
Financial times are tough and it doesn’t appear that we are out of the dark yet. Now is not the time to snub additional funds, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem to some.
Pond Road resident Sean Doocey, EMT, is a member of the Harvard Ambulance Service.
