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LA council panel backs 37 percent hike in ambulance fees

Lawmakers say increase will raise $6M for department

By David Zahniser
The Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles City Council panel backed a proposed ordinance Monday that would raise ambulance fees by 37% starting July 1, the first of several strategies for passing the city’s budget woes on to consumers.

The proposal would increase the transportation fee for basic life support ambulances from $712 to $974. Those ambulances typically respond to less critical emergencies, city officials said.

Fees for advanced life support ambulances, which allow paramedics to provide treatment for major emergencies, would increase from $1,004 to $1,373. The city also charges $15.75 per mile for ambulance transportation.

Full Story: L.A. council panel backs 37% hike in ambulance fees