Traditionally, Oklahoma City Has Funded Ambulance Service with General Fund Dollars. That

-In December 2008, the Oklahoma City Council voted to add monthly fees to water customers’ bills to fund ambulance service in the city. The fees are $3.65 per month for single-family utilities customers; fees vary – based on property size – for apartment complexes.

-Traditionally, Oklahoma City has funded ambulance service with general fund dollars. That’s the same way they fund police, fire, public works and other vital city services. But now, revenue from the water bill fees will be used. This will free up money in the general fund for those other services.

-By participating in Oklahoma City’s program, customers receive EMSA TotalCare benefits. That means no out-of-pocket payments on EMSA emergency transports. EMSA will collect all available insurance and other third-party payments and not bill the customer his deductible, copayment or other costs. Benefits are for all permanent members of the household.

-If a customer who’s participating in Oklahoma City’s program doesn’t have insurance, EMSA will not bill them any charges for an emergency transport. An emergency is a transport to a hospital emergency room for urgent, unscheduled treatment of an unforeseen condition

-Oklahoma City’s program takes effect October 1, 2009.

-Oklahoma City allows customers to forfeit benefits and participation in its program. Customers can opt-out online at or by calling 297-2833. Only the utilities customer on record can opt-out. (Individuals renting a house or apartment do not have the authority to make the participation decision unless the utilities are in their name.)

-In Oklahoma City, nursing homes and assisted living centers are not considered “residential” properties by the utilities department – so they aren’t eligible to participate in Oklahoma City’s program. Residents of such facilities should buy a TotalCare membership directly from EMSA to be covered.

-Individuals who joined TotalCare through EMSA this summer but are eligible to participate in Oklahoma City’s program should call EMSA for a refund. EMSA’s TotalCare hotline is 396-2888.

-Several other cities, including Warr Acres, Nichols Hills, Bethany and The Village, have created their own programs. Edmond is set to vote on a program on September 14.

-Customers who have specific questions about a city’s program rules (start date, whether their address is covered, cost per month, etc.) should contact their city hall. Customers who have specific questions about TotalCare benefits and how EMSA bills for service should contact the EMSA TotalCare hotline at 405-396-2888.