Tulsans have until the end of August to opt in or out of EMSAcare — a membership program that covers out-of-pocket costs associated with EMSA emergency service.
On top of that, EMSA is updating rates for the first time since 2012 and adding a new fee. Spokesman Adam Paluka says EMSA’s updated rates align more closely with reimbursements from insurance providers and Medicare.
Here’s a breakdown of what these changes mean for your wallet and what EMSAcare covers.
EMSAcare costs $5.45 for Tulsa residents who get membership through the city’s utility fee program, as seen on your monthly City of Tulsa utility bill. It’s automatically renewed when you’re enrolled, unless you say no before the end of the registration period.
If you do not have a City of Tulsa utility account, you can get care by paying $65 yearly to EMSA directly.
Let’s say you have insurance already. Ambulance transports and Treatment-in-Place still may not be fully covered. Treatment-in-Place is when you get care but aren’t transported to the hospital.
After Oct. 1, 2026, EMSA will charge $500 for Treatment-in-Place care. If you’ve got EMSAcare, you don’t have to pay. You also don’t have to pay if you’re uninsured, thanks to a two-year grace period. EMSA will not retroactively charge, said Paluka.
If you have an insurance plan but not EMSAcare, your insurer will be billed the $500 and you may still be on the hook for any out-of-pocket costs.
EMSA is also updating its bill rates for transportation to the hospital. This is to “better reflect the level of care provided and today’s EMS industry standard,” according to a media release.
Similarly, EMSAcare will cover those out-of-pocket costs, but non-members may be on the hook for those extra expenses your insurance plan doesn’t fully cover.
Anyone can get EMSAcare. All permanent residents of your household are covered. To change or check your enrollment, residents using the Tulsa utility fee program can call the 311 hotline during open hours. Other members can call EMSA Customer Service at (918) 396-2888.
“By enrolling in EMSAcare, they have nothing to worry about,” Paluka said. “The amount stays the same. They’re covered from out-of-pocket costs, every member of their household. There’s no limit to the amount of times that they can utilize EMSAcare.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to provide more context on changes to the EMSAcare rates, enrollment and coverage.
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