Medical and Ambulance Service Utility

The Medical and Ambulance Service Utility is a dedicated fund established to support the City's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations. All revenue generated from EMS services, including fees and charges, is credited to this fund. The City also may allocate funds from its general budget to further support EMS operations. 

The Medical and Ambulance Service Utility is solely responsible for managing and disbursing funds to cover all costs associated with providing EMS services, such as personnel, equipment, and vehicle maintenance. 

The purpose of the utility is to regulate users and providers of all ambulance services within the city, including:

  • Monitor and enforcement of industry standards as set in the RCW;
  • Establishment and management of protocols relating to emergency and nonemergency medical services originating in the city of Richland;
  • Ensuring a planned, cooperative effort between medical and transport services to benefit citizens and patients in the city of Richland; and
  • The provision of a 24-hour ALS service within the city.

The current residential rate and additional information can be found in RMC 13.06. 

Ambulance Billing

The City of Richland contracts with a third-party service provider for ambulance billing services. Use the link below to access information regarding ambulance bill payment options:

City of Richland Ambulance & EMS Billing Services Information

 

Exemptions for low-income Medical and Ambulance Services Utility Fee:

A medical and ambulance services utility fee Medicaid exemption application can be requested from the City of Richland by citizens who meet specific criteria. To qualify for this exemption, all of the following requirements must be met: 

  1. Current City of Richland resident and the primary utility account holder, or their spouse;
  2. Eligible for Medicaid; and
  3. Receiving in-home services during the entire period of the exemption

All approvals must be re-certified annually. The customer is responsible for notifying the City if Medicaid eligibility is terminated or in-home services are no longer needed or utilized. 

To apply for the Medicaid exemption on our Medical and Ambulance Services Utility, please complete our exemption application. Printable forms are also available at City Hall during business hours. Completed forms can be returned to Customer Service at 625 Swift Blvd., Richland, WA 99352.