WRITTEN PUBLIC
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From: Steve Mayer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Written Public Comment - Agenda Item A-3 (EMS) Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 12:17:08 PM
Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmembers:
This is one of the most innovative programs that has been developed by City in eons.
The cost of emergency medical services is enormous. My last transport to the emergency room by a fire department was $600 in 2008. All of it came from my deductible.
Today, the same service would be more than four times.
From that perspective, here are some observations and suggestions:
(1) For low-income seniors living in multi-family, a one-time annual payment of $90 might be a non-starter. They may not have $90 to spare.
On the other hand, a monthly auto pay of $7.50 would be accepted without hesitation.
Price elasticity can be an important selling point for this program. (2) The Council might wish to explore $90 for an individual and $120 (or $150) for a family. Some seniors have roommates who are not family members. In turn, families expect to pay more than for an individual
(3) The Council might wish to explore that it be billed monthly for those who receive a water bill. That is the way it is done in the City of Burbank. That city also charges other city services through the water bill.
(4) One very large potential enrollment segment might be from BHUSD families. They can easily be educated as to the cost of EMS services, and how much they could save.
Without question, they would pay $10 (or $12.50) per month to potentially save thousands.
Thank you for allowing me to make this public comment … and congratulations on initiating what will be one of the most popular programs in the City.
Steve Mayer