$237 an ‘astronomical’ charge for a paramedic assessment, Winnipeg woman says

Barb Bobychuk recently spoke out about her frustration with the high cost of emergency services after her 89-year-old mother-in-law was charged $237 for a short assessment by paramedics following a fall that did not require a trip to the hospital. Bobychuk, a retired 911 operator with over two decades of experience, was shocked by the bill for what she described as a brief visit that only involved taking her mother-in-law’s vitals.

According to a chart of emergency service rates on the City of Winnipeg website, the cost for ambulance transportation to the hospital for a patient from Manitoba is $250. This fee significantly increases for patients from outside of Manitoba who require emergency care while in the province. Despite these high costs, nearly half of the ambulance bills issued by the City of Winnipeg in 2022 remain unpaid.

Bobychuk believes that charging individuals for assessments, especially elderly people on fixed incomes, discourages them from seeking help when they need it most. She expressed concern that this financial burden could prevent people from calling emergency services in a timely manner, potentially leading to serious health consequences.

In response to these criticisms, Erin Madden, a public information officer for the City of Winnipeg, explained that fees for emergency medical services are not used as city revenue. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service operates EMS on a cost recovery basis, with revenue collected going towards covering the cost of services approved by Shared Health. Madden stated that patients are charged based on Manitoba Health policy.

Despite these explanations, Bobychuk remains adamant that the high fees for emergency services are unjust and place individuals in a difficult position where they must choose between their health and financial well-being. She views the current system as a cash grab by the city and believes it goes against the government’s goal of allowing seniors to age in place.

The issue of high ambulance fees for assessments without transportation has sparked debate over the accessibility and affordability of emergency services, particularly for vulnerable populations such as seniors. As the population ages, it is crucial for policymakers to address these concerns and ensure that individuals can access the care they need without facing financial barriers.