Surprise Charges: Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills Eye Pact

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills would consider each other's residents as their own for the purpose of ambulance billing if the villages approve an agreement.

The two neighbors often respond to each other's ambulance calls.

Under the agreement, Clarendon Hills would not bill for any expenses beyond what is covered by a person's insurance coverage, and vice versa.

Such surprise charges are known as "balance billing." That type of billing occurs when a patient's insurer pays an out-of-network healthcare provider less than the amount charged, according to the American Medical Association.

At its meeting Tuesday, the Hinsdale Village Board plans to discuss the agreement.

Over the years, Village President Tom Cauley has called for more cooperation among area towns' fire and ambulance services, particularly with equipment.

"We don't live on an island," Cauley said during an April meeting. "I think we should take advantage of the fact that we have surrounding communities that have lots of equipment."