EMSA Director Asks Tulsa City Council For Rate Increase

The director of EMSA went before the City Council Wednesday to ask for a rate increase, in part to cover legal fees for a lawsuit.

EMSA estimates the lawyers might charge nearly $2.5 million dollars.

EMSA and its director Steve Williamson has to defend against a federal lawsuit over alleged kickbacks.

The legal fees will be made up with the cost of an ambulance ride.

8/24/2017 Related Story: EMSA Approves $400 Rate Increase For Emergency Transport

EMSA went before the Tulsa City Council on Aug. 30, which would have to approve a rate increase - from $1,400 to $1,700 dollars per trip.

The councilors don't have much choice - the lawyers told them - because the cost is a city obligation.

EMSA's director said the rate increase will mainly impact folks with insurance who aren't EMSA subscribers because most other people aren't paying the full sticker price anyway.

The council decided to wait before making the decision for another briefing in two weeks.