DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Dubuque Fire Department is raising its ambulance billing rates for the first time in more than 10 years.
Fire Chief Amy Scheller said the current rates no longer reflect the actual cost of providing service.
Under the new structure, basic life support transport will increase from $620 to $1,162, while both levels of advanced life support, previously billed at $735 and $1,065, will rise to $2,324.
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The department expects the rate increase to generate about $990,000 annually, a change approved by City Manager Michael Van Milligen that will take effect January 1, KCRG reported.
The department also plans to begin charging for vehicle crashes, vehicle fires, hazardous conditions and special rescue calls through a new Fire Cost Recovery Fee, which is expected to generate about $120,000 annually.
Together, the two fee changes are expected to generate about $1.2 million annually, which the department says will fund five new full-time firefighter-paramedic positions, each starting at $70,442 plus benefits.
