Generic Ambulance File Photo (credit: CBS 2)
SALEM, N.J. (AP) – Some New Jerseyans might have to pay if they need the fire department or an ambulance.
Salem’s City Council has adopted an ordinance that would allow the fire department to charge to recover costs.
The council says most fire and auto insurance policies will compensate fire departments if a schedule of fees has been adopted.
Fire Chief Fred Ayars told the Today’s Sunbeam newspaper the ordinance is designed to get money from insurance companies. Ayers said no fee will be charged if a resident doesn’t have insurance.
Meanwhile, Cape May is considering an $8 per mile ambulance charge to help balance the 2011 budget.
The surcharge is expected to add $100 to the $500 fee that Cape May already charges for an ambulance.
The Press of Atlantic City reports Mayor Ed Mahaney is worried some people would not call for an ambulance because of the added cost.
(Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
2 Comments
Yes, absurd. The town charges the insurance companies. The insurance companies now face additional losses. Do they absorb the loss? No. They pass it on to their policyholders by increasing rates.
In the end, we pay. We always wind up paying in the end.
December 8, 2010 at 6:43 am
this is so absurd.
December 8, 2010 at 6:39 am