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The cost of calling an ambulance in the Chicago area
The Better Government Association (BGA) has published an article outlining the charges imposed by many fire departments and local municipalities in the Chicago area. According to a BGA analysis of approximately 130 fire departments in Cook County, free ambulance rides—once common—are now rare. Ambulance fees, standards, and practices vary significantly across communities.
Emergency transport costs can range from $0 to $2,587, depending on the level of care provided, the patient's residency, and other factors. These fees are here to stay because financially strained towns, cities, and villages rely on them as user fees to cover emergency service costs and generate new revenue to help avoid tax increases.
In Cook County, a basic life support (BLS) ride for residents can cost between $0 and $1,200, with an average rate of $587. This includes basic care such as CPR, splinting fractures, or controlling bleeding. Non-residents typically pay more, with BLS fees ranging from $365.42 to $1,400, averaging around $732.
For advanced life support (ALS), rates range from $0 to $1,900 for residents and $433 to $2,587 for non-residents. ALS is divided into two levels, involving more complex care like cardiac monitoring and administering medication.
The City of Chicago charges $900 for BLS, $1,050 for lesser ALS care, and $1,200 for more advanced ALS care, plus $17 per mile and $25 for oxygen. Non-residents face an additional $100 fee.
Billing policies also differ widely. Some agencies accept insurance as full payment, while others bill patients for any remaining balance, and in some cases, use collections agencies to recover unpaid debts.
Forest View, McCook, and Rosemont are the only places in Cook County that do not charge residents for ambulance services, though non-residents will still receive a bill.
Here’s a breakdown of ambulance fees in various communities:
| AGENCY | RESIDENT BLS | RESIDENT ALS-1 | RESIDENT ALS-2 | NON-RESIDENT BLS | NON-RESIDENT ALS-1 | NON-RESIDENT ALS-2 | MILEAGE | OTHER FEES |
|--------------------|--------------|----------------|----------------|------------------|--------------------|--------------------|---------------|------------|
| Alsip FD | 700 | 800 | N/A | 800 | 850 | N/A | 15/mi | YES |
| Arlington Heights FD | 400 | 400 | 450 | 600 | 600 | 650 | 0 | |
| Barrington FD | 420 | 525 | N/A | 525 | 630 | N/A | 45 | YES |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
This table highlights the wide variation in ambulance costs across Cook County. While some areas offer free or low-cost services, others charge significantly higher fees, especially for non-residents.
Medicare has established a standardized rate schedule that increases annually based on inflation, which affects how much providers are reimbursed. Despite this, local governments still set their own rates, which may not always align with Medicare’s reimbursement guidelines.
If you're planning a trip or living in the area, it's wise to check the ambulance fees of the local fire department to avoid unexpected expenses. Understanding these costs can help you make informed decisions about emergency care and insurance coverage.
Thanks, Dan.