Hit the Brakes! Oregon County Approves Doubling Ambulance Fees

The cost of an ambulance ride will double in Clackamas County, Oregon, after commissioners agreed to give American Medical Response (AMR), the nation’s largest private ambulance company, a very generous raise.  Now, Washington County is considering a 27% rate increase after raising rates in July.

Effective immediately, the bill for an ambulance ride in Clackamas County will rise from $1,676 to $2,245. But that’s not all: The new contract allows for the base price to jump again in November to $3,480.

AMR also charges per mile for transporting a patient to the hospital. That mileage fee will increase from $35.10 per mile to $72.90, a 107% jump.

County officials tried to downplay the cost increases in media reports, saying that “insurance should cover much of the cost.”  The problem with that argument is that it ignores the fact that rising health care costs lead to higher insurance premiums, which we all pay.

The clear winner? Private equity investors who purchased AMR in 2018 for $2.4 billion. As Willamette Week reported in July 2023, the firm needs to pay off its debt and start making a profit.

Even if you don’t live in Clackamas or Washington Counties, it’s possible AMR is your ambulance provider. The company’s website says AMR operates in “thousands of communities” across the U.S. That means your city or county could be next.

What do you think? Have you or a loved one received an outrageous bill for an ambulance ride? Share your thoughts and stories with Voices for Affordable Health.