San Jose officials endorsed a 'First Responder Fee Program' set to commence on January 1, 2026, levying a $427 charge per emergency medical service trip by the fire department. The program aims to enhance funding, primarily funded through insurance reimbursements. If insurance covers part of the fee, residents will not face out-of-pocket debt for uncovered amounts. Fire Chief Robert Sapien predicts an annual revenue of over $4 million from this program, while reassurances were made concerning billing practices and collections for unpaid fees under the new system.
"In cases where insurance information was collected on scene, the bill will be sent directly to the insurance provider - whether medical or auto depending on the response."
"If insurance was not collected on scene, the resident will later be given another opportunity to provide their insurance information."
"The fire department anticipates the fees to generate just more than $4 million per year based on the insurance pay rates, Fire Chief Robert Sapien told the City Council on Tuesday."
"We will not send anyone to collections for any portion of the fee that insurance does not cover."
#san-jose #first-responder-fee-program #emergency-services #fire-department-funding #insurance-billing
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