COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council
FROM: Pete Pilafas, Fire Chief
SUBJECT:Title
Action: Participation Agreement for Ground Ambulance with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona (Chief Pilafas)
Body
FUNDING SOURCE:
N/A
PURPOSE:
To consider approving the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona Participation Agreement for Ground Ambulance to make Lake Havasu City a participating provider that can receive reimbursement directly from the insurance company.
BACKGROUND:
On June 11, 2024, Lake Havasu City was awarded Certificate of Necessity (CON) #159 by the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS). This certification enables the City to provide ground ambulance services and charge for ambulance transports within our designated CON boundaries.
Lake Havasu City’s ambulance transport service operates on a cost-of-service model, with rates established according to the Arizona Ground Ambulance Service Rate Schedule, overseen by AZDHS.
As a CON provider in Arizona, the City has the opportunity to enter into participation agreements with insurance companies, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona. This partnership allows Lake Havasu City to receive reimbursement for ground ambulance transport services for any patients covered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona networks, at the fully chargeable rates outlined in the Arizona Ground Ambulance Service Rate Schedule.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona is among the largest commercial insurance providers in the state and has a significant presence in Lake Havasu City.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The reimbursement collected through this agreement will assist in funding the City’s ambulance transport program.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Participation Agreement Ground Ambulance
SUGGESTED MOTION:Recommended Action
I move to approve the Participation Agreement for Ground Ambulance with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona.