And the affluent should pay their fair tax share to help make that access a reality for everyone.
By Bob Hertz, Inequality.org
If you call 911 and the fire department comes, you will generally pay nothing. In virtually all cities, fire departments operate as a public service financed by local government, usually via property taxes.
But if you call 911 for an ambulance, you could face a huge bill, even for a short ride. Ambulances typically don’t operate as a free public service. In many states the average balance due runs over $1,000.
Having health insurance does help, but deductibles and exclusions can still leave you with a huge bill. A medical emergency that requires an ambulance can easily drive you into debt.
People sometimes beg not to be put in ambulances, even in situations where they clearly need them. One Boston resident, her gashed leg caught between a subway train and the platform, pleaded with worried fellow passengers to forego any call to an ambulance service.
“I have terrible health insurance,” she explained.
Recent Posts
Massive Israeli Assault on Lebanon Threatens U.S.-Iran Ceasefire
Take Action Now Over 250 people were killed in what the Israeli military said was the “largest coordinated strike” on Lebanon since March 2.By…
Is the War In Iran About to Become Apocalyptic? (w/ Trita Parsi)
Take Action Now As Trump escalates threats, oil chokepoints tighten, and talk of “total surrender” creeps toward the unthinkable, Trita Parsi warns…
White House Budget Details FBI Office Dedicated to Spying on Those Who Oppose Trump’s ‘Extremist Agenda’
Take Action Now “If your political views are practically anything other than MAGA, you’re on notice, courtesy of the FBI,” said journalist Ken…
While Distancing From AIPAC, Most 2028 Democratic Hopefuls Are Still Embracing Israel
Take Action Now In sharp contrast to confronting the immorality of arming Israel’s genocidal policies, simply promising not to take AIPAC money is…