Avoid the Santa Ana crash tax by paying $48 for EMS membership

The City of Santa Ana is one of at least 50 cities in the state that have adopted so-called crash-tax laws allowing local governments to seek reimbursement from insurance companies for the costs of sending public emergency crews to accident scenes. The fees can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If insurers don’t pay, cities can hire collection agents to seek payment from the motorists involved, according to the L.A. Times.

However, Santa Ana residents can also purchase paramedic services, via the City’s EMS Membership Program, at a low cost of $48 per year.  The cost can also be added to your water bill, in $8 increments.

The charge for a single EMS response ranges from $82.30 to over $700, depending on the level of service provided. As an alternative to paying these direct fees, all Santa Ana residents have the opportunity to join the EMS Membership Program. Membership provides unlimited use of the emergency medical system for you and all permanent members of your household. As a member, you will not be assessed any direct fees for emergency medical services.

Services Provided:

  • 24-hour basic or Paramedic-level service depending on your medical need.
  • Emergency ambulance transportation provided by the Santa Ana Fire Department to local hospitals.
  • If needed, emergency life-saving instructions over the phone while the Santa Ana Fire Department is responding.

For more information, call the City’s Finance Department at (714)647-5430 or the Water Department at (714)647-5454.  Click here to read more about this program.

Art Pedroza Editor
Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.
Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

View Comments

  • That is what happens when the irresponsible Mexicans and their sympathizers are running the city.

    You will have more Hit and Runs that is all.

  • The entire State is run by irresponsible Mexicans, Pedroza.

    This happened to me in Fountain Vally.
    Last year, I had gallbladder attack so I drove myself to the emergency clinic in the Fountain Vally so I do not have to pay for ambulance.

    As I was check by the doctor who administer necessary aid, I see about 5 fireman rushing into the room taking me to an ambulance and driving me to next building emergency hospital about 200 Ft. The ambulance was about $1200 and fire department $350. Luckily insurance paid for the ambulance but not for the fire department. To this day, I have not payed the FVFD scum-backs $350.

    As long as we will romanticize Fire and Police departments they will abuse us. I can hardly see any white people in these departments. Just corrupt unionized Mexicans.

    • Wow. I would not blame Mexicans but rather the fact that the state legislature passed a law some time ago giving firemen a monopoly over EMS services. There are less and less fires today, due to strict building codes and loss control programs, so the firemen spend most of their time providing EMS services.

      I would advise you buy the Santa Ana EMS membership program. It is a deal for only $48.

  • "I would advise you buy the Santa Ana EMS membership program. It is a deal for only $48."

    What about in other cities?.... Is it transferable?.... Is It $48 per person or family?

    It is fraud and I want to see lot of Mexicans die as result of it.
    Incompetent politicians create incompetent public policy.
    When the white people were in charge the property tax were sufficient.

    I will not pay it that is all.... will sue them.

    • That only works in Santa Ana.

      White people are just as corrupt as everyone else. Remember Bob Citron? Bankrupted Orange County...

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