COUNTYWIDE : Ambulance Firms Seek Rate Increases

The three ambulance companies that serve Ventura County will ask the County Board of Supervisors Tuesday to allow them to charge 10% more for their services.

Because the ambulance companies operate under a contract with the county, supervisors must approve rate increases. In May, 1989, the board approved a 22% increase, the first jump in five years, county Emergency Medical Services Administrator Barbara Brofuehrer said.

Ventura ambulance companies need to raise their fees primarily because of a jump in fuel prices and higher personnel costs, Brofuehrer said.

Under the proposal, emergency transportation would increase from $232.50 to $256 and non-emergency transportation would jump from $175 to $193. Ambulance paramedic charges would go from $250 to $275. The new prices would be effective the day the increases are granted by the supervisors.