Shout Out: Should the County Charge Ambulance Fees?

Montgomery County is the only jurisdiction in the Washington metropolitan area that does not charge ambulance fees, thanks to a , which had been approved by the County Council.

The result of that referendum could be reversed this year by the County Council, The Gazette reported.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) favors the fees as a way to help bring in revenue. As a courtesy to Leggett, Montgomery County Council President Roger Berliner (Dist. 1) of Potomac introduced the executive's legislation to establish a fee earlier this month.

"The executive has asked the council to reconsider the fee in light of state actions that have intruded on council taxing authority and the looming possibility of a shift in half of teacher pension costs," The Gazette reported.

The ambulance fee would be paid mostly by insurance companies, "whose rates already reflect regional ambulance fee reimbursements," The Washington Post's editorial board—which endorsed the fees—wrote earlier this month.

"The county would pick up any co-pays or deductibles, including charges for uninsured residents," The Post added. Only out-of-county, uninsured people who call for an ambulance in Montgomery County would face deductibles or co-pays.

Not charging the fees has "deprive[ed] the county of about $14 million annually that would otherwise defray the expense of emergency services," according to The Post.

The 2010 referendum generated substantial debate. Leggett and county fire officials .

The Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association argued against the fee, saying it would increase insurance rates, cause some people not to call for an ambulance and leave county taxpayers to make up for uncollected fees from the uninsured. In the days leading up to the 2010 election, the association sued the county, alleging that county employees and resources were used in a campaign supporting the fee. .

The ambulance fee bill is scheduled for a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on May 8 in the third floor hearing room of the .

What do you think? Should the county charge an ambulance fee? Tell us in the comments.