Ambulance Transport Fee Program

The King County EMS Levy funds Paramedic or "Medic One" services throughout King County and these are provided at no cost to patients of Eastside Fire & Rescue. However, the City of Mercer Island charges a fee when a patient is transported by ambulance.

In February 2011, the City of Mercer Island began its Basic Life Support (Ambulance) Transport User Fee Program. The Program was established to create a sustainable revenue source to support essential emergency medical services. Fees from the basic life support transport user fee will help cover the cost of providing emergency medical service to the Mercer Island community.

Effective January 1, 2025, the ambulance transport base fee is $1,323, plus a mileage reimbursement fee of $24.46 per mile (set by City Council Resolution No. 1666). These fees shall remain in place until amended by the City Council by resolution. There will be no charge if a patient receives medical care but is not transported.

Patients will receive a bill from Systems Design, Eastside Fire & Rescue's billing vendor. Systems Design can be contacted directly at 800-238-9398.

Click here to view frequently asked questions.

It is the policy of the City of Mercer Island that no person will be denied needed emergency medical care because of an inability to pay for such services. Needed emergency services will be provided without charge or at a reduced charge and without discrimination to those persons with no or inadequate means to pay for needed care. To be eligible to receive needed ambulance services without charge or at a reduced charge, you or your family’s annual income must be at, or below, certain levels established by national poverty guidelines for this area. If you think you may be eligible for Financial Assistance, please fill out the Financial Assistance Form.

When you get emergency care or are treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing. Please refer to ”Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills” in the Supporting Documents section below.