Utica Hikes Ambulance Fees

Utica residents will now see a much steeper bill if they ever need to call an ambulance.

At the last City Council meeting, Utica approved rate increases for ambulance services provided by the city's fire department.

Mayor Jacqueline Noonan said the increases were to keep up with the rising costs of Blue Cross, Blue Shield, the insurance industry in general and Medicare and Medicaid. 

Rates for treatment without transport will increase from $250 to $397 for residents and non-residents, according to AccuMed Billing Inc., Utica's billing service provider.

The rate increases were effective immediately following the August 14 Coucncil meeting.