Metro Fire EMS fees start July 1: new ambulance charges for Mather residents
Mather residents: Metro Fire’s EMS user fee schedule starts July 1, 2026. Here’s what the updated ambulance charges and help options mean.
Starting July 1, 2026, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District (Metro Fire) says its updated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Medical Aid and Ambulance Transport User Fee Schedule takes effect—meaning some Mather residents may see new or updated charges on ambulance bills.
Metro Fire frames these as service-related user fees for EMS care and transportation, not taxes.
When the fees apply (and what kinds of services trigger billing)
Metro Fire says the updated fees can be charged for ambulance transport, treatment on scene, Automatic Aid with transport, and Mobile Integrated Health (MIH), plus medically necessary add-ons.
New EMS user fee amounts residents may see (effective July 1, 2026)
Metro Fire lists these updated charges:
- Ambulance Transport: $3,495
- Automatic Aid with Transport: $2,963
- Treatment on Scene: $532
- Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Service: $3,388
- MIH Supplemental Service: $1,165
- Mileage: $53/mile
- Oxygen: $194
- Cardiac Monitor: $148
Actual patient responsibility may vary based on insurance coverage, Medicare and Medi-Cal, contractual billing limitations, and applicable laws.
Why Metro Fire is updating the EMS fee schedule
Metro Fire says it periodically reviews the actual cost of providing EMS and updates fees so they stay aligned with the documented cost of service. In its fee update materials, the district links the update to an ambulance and first responder fee study and describes how the updated schedule supports staffing, ambulances and equipment, medical supplies and medications, training and readiness, communications, regulatory compliance, and MIH programs.
“Not a tax” — and what patient protections Metro Fire says apply
Metro Fire says these EMS fees are service-related user fees and that they do not affect property taxes.
On its patient-protections messaging, Metro Fire highlights:
- Balance billing limits where applicable, with state law and insurance agreements shaping what’s allowed.
- Low-Income Assistance Program for people who can’t afford their ambulance medical billing; charges may be reduced or waived after review.
- Transparent billing tied to documented patient care and the adopted fee schedule.
Metro Fire also states that it does not deny necessary medical care or ambulance transportation because someone lacks insurance or is unable to pay.
If you get an ambulance bill and can’t afford it: Low-Income Assistance Program
Metro Fire’s EMS Fee Ordinance describes a Low-Income Assistance Program intended to waive or reduce Medical Aid and Ambulance Transport user fees for qualifying individuals meeting current poverty income guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The Low Income Assistance Program application is revised 06/25/2026. Metro Fire’s application explains that applicants (or a designee) submit a completed form plus required proof of income (for example, IRS W-2 and tax return materials, or check-stub documentation) and government-issued identification.
How to submit: Metro Fire instructs residents to email the completed form to emsbilling@metrofire.ca.gov or mail it to:
Metro Fire, Attn: EMS Division
10545 Armstrong Ave, Suite 200
Mather, CA 95655
What to do next if you receive a bill (starting after July 1)
- Don’t delay care if you need 911—Metro Fire says no one should hesitate to call because of cost concerns.
- For billing questions or to request a copy: Metro Fire directs residents to contact its billing vendor at 800-906-6552.
- If you need to dispute charges: Metro Fire says to email emsbilling@metrofire.ca.gov.
- If affordability is the issue: consider the Low-Income Assistance Program application and submit the required documentation.
Sources
- Metro Fire: How Do I (service-area list including Mather)
- Metro Fire: Low Income Assistance Program Application (Revised 06/25/2026)
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