Paramedic Subscription Program

Since 1975, South Pasadena Fire Department has offered it's own paramedic services. Paramedic services can be very expensive even if no extensive care is provided or if there is no transport.

Did you know that paramedic fees can run as high as $3,000? The City of South Pasadena is offering a Paramedic Subscription Program to provide residents and businesses within South Pasadena an annual subscription to cover all paramedic and transportation costs!

To help defray the cost to the users, the City has established a voluntary Paramedic Subscription program. This program provides unlimited paramedic coverage for anyone living in your household. The fee for a paramedic call depends on the type of service provided. As an alternative to paying direct fees, all residents and businesses are encouraged to enroll in the voluntary Paramedic Subscription program. This option not only covers anyone living in your household but all employees of a business that subscribes.

Medicare establishes what is permissible related to billing for ambulance treatment and/or transport. As such, South Pasadena Fire will bill based on those guidelines whenever there is treatment and/or transport rendered. However, participation on the Paramedic Subscription Program will waive any fees above and beyond those allowed by an individual’s insurance provider. The yearly fee of $95.00 for residential covers all members under the same household and $106.00 for businesses, covers the first 10 employees. Exceeding the limit will be an additional $20.00 per employee. Contact the Fire Department at (626) 403-7300 for further details. For billing questions, please contact Wittman at (800) 906-6552.

Questions and Answers

Q. What does the annual fee cover?

A. It covers ALL paramedic services and transportation to a local emergency room or trauma center by the Fire Department paramedics resulting from a paramedic medical emergency.

Q. If l am retired and only have Medi-Cal or Medicare, should I enroll in the program?

A. Yes, because Medicare may not cover the full amount of the fee.

Q. What if it is not an emergency?

A. The Fire Department will transport only emergency cases requiring paramedic treatment while enroute to the hospital. A private ambulance mut be called to transport non-emergency cases. The ambulance company will charge a fee for this service which is not covered by the subscription program.