Ambulance Rates In Utica

Utica, NY (WIBX) - A Utica councilman is calling for an investigation to insure a uniform fee structure and a fair rotation between the city's ambulance service and Kunkel.

Councilman Frank Vescera says the 15 tow truck operators who are in the city's system charge a uniform fee for transporting a disabled vehicle and participate in a fair rotation system. He's looking for the same procedure when it comes to ambulance service.

Vescera says the city ambulance service charges more for every rate than the private ambulance service Kunkel does.

"As an example," he says, "one of the most startling of the discrepancies is Advanced Life Hook Up. The city of Utica charges $650. Kunkel charges $150. That's a 433 percent difference."

In addition, Vescera says for Basic Life Support, the city charges $614 and Kunkel charges $350. He says that's a 75 percent higher rate fee.

The resolution for uniform fees and fair rotations will be discussed at the next common council meeting on December 15.