No. 45

AMBULANCE LEVY TO HELP RECOVER COST OF SERVICE

In order to offset the cost to the government of ambulance services, the Ambulance Service Levy and the fees charged for ambulance transport will be increased in the 2006-07 ACT Budget, Minister for Emergency Services Simon Corbell has announced.

The Ambulance Service Levy is collected by the ACT Government from health funds for each insured family and individual living in the ACT.  In 2006-07, it will be increased from $54 to $85 per individual and $114 to $170 per family.

“The Ambulance Service Levy helps to offset the cost of providing ambulance services to the ACT community.  In the 2005-06 financial year, the levy is expected to raise $8.2 million in revenue, although the cost of providing ambulance services is substantially higher,” Mr Corbell said.

Mr Corbell said the charge for ambulance transportation would also be increased for individuals not covered by private health funds, in line with the national average.  Pensioners living in the ACT will remain exempt. 

“At present, the ACT has the second-lowest charge for ambulance transportation in the country, at an average of $317 for emergency transport and $167 for non-emergency transport,” Mr Corbell said.

“The average cost to the ACT Government, however, is significantly higher.  In order to meet these costs, the transport fee will be increased to $670 for emergency transport and $480 for non-emergency transport.

“The ACT can no longer afford to subsidise the cost of ambulance transportation at a rate of up to $353 for every emergency trip and $313 for every non-emergency trip.

“These increases in the Ambulance Service Levy and charges for ambulance transportation will ensure that we can continue to provide high-quality services while recouping the significant cost to government.”