Elmhurst Ambulance Rates Higher Than Median In Some Cases: Analysis

ELMHURST, IL – Ambulance rates in Elmhurst are higher than the median for other suburbs in some cases, a city analysis shows.

On Thursday, the city released its analysis of ambulance rates for Elmhurst and 17 other suburbs.

For decades, the city has contracted with Elmhurst-based Superior Ambulance to provide emergency medical services.

The city is considering new rates with Superior.

For basic life support, Elmhurst's rates are considerably lower than the median of other towns. Under a proposal, they'll get much closer to the median.

One level of basic life support costs $1,125 now, compared with the median of $1,676. Under a proposed rate, that level of support would cost $1,557 in Elmhurst, which is still under the median.

For one level of advanced life support, the cost now is $1,913, compared with the median of $1,800. Under a proposal, the Elmhurst rate for this level of support would rise to $2,646, or nearly 50 percent higher than the median.

The proposed mileage rate is $26 a mile, well over the median of $16, according to the analysis.

The City Council's finance committee plans to discuss the rates next week.