Tulsa city officials look to make it easier to opt out of EMSA service fee

TULSA - Tulsa City Council members are now looking at making it easier for residents to opt out of an EMSA service fee that provides ambulance rides.

Each day EMSA paramedics transport people across Green Country. A ride can cost the patient up to $1,100, but it's a service many already pay for through their water bill.

"Your paying $43 dollars a year for a policy basically that states if you call the ambulance, you're covered because you've got a subscription service," says Public Information Officer Chris Stevens.

Through the TotalCare Program residents are charged a $3.64 fee each month. But, Stevens says, not everyone wants the service. From January to March this year about 10 percent of water customers chose not to pay.

"We get a fair amount of folks that do want to opt out because they figured they never used the ambulance so why should they pay for it," says Stevens.

Those that want to opt out of the service have to do so every year, by the end of June. If a person forgets one year, they're automatically opted in again. City officials are now working to change that.

"It's a little bit of a hassle, it's a little bit confusing to have to opt out every year. We think there ought to be a structure in place for citizens to opt out once and forever," says Councilman Rick Westcott.

City leaders are now trying to figure out all the details with the new plan. They want to make sure people understand when they opt out, it's for good. If you change your mind however, there will be an option that allows people to go back in.

Stevens says this is a very cost effective way to have ambulance service, should you ever need it.

"We hope you don't but if you do, then you're covered," he says.

City officials say a decision should be made on this within the next couple of weeks.