City in California to start charging folks for calling 911

[Fryk]

Yes, but can you opt out of Fire Dept Medical while you're on the phone?

Will the 911 operator have to ask people that, like a McDonald's cashier?

"Ok, you're having an emergency? Do you want FMD with that?"

[Stormraven]

I'm not sure, but the article also mentions that most medical insurance pays for it. (Barring Medicare/Medicaid, I think). And that no charge is made if the patient dies.

The biggest point is that it's not a fee for calling 911 - so if you have to call for the police, one of the big blow-ups about the article, you won't be charged at all.

[lordlundar]

I'm not sure, but the article also mentions that most medical insurance pays for it. (Barring Medicare/Medicaid, I think). And that no charge is made if the patient dies.

At the risk of derailing the thread unintentionally, consider that outside of Hawaii, the saturation of medical insurance is pretty low as most people can't afford it. Considering that the most affordable and easily attainable isn't covered by it shows just how bad of an idea it is.

[jackfaire]

*blinks* Uhm every area I have ever lived in 911 is not free it is paid for as part of your phone bill. One of the charges is a fee that pays for 911 services.

[Fryk]

That is true Jack. So does the town of Tracy not charge that fee (unlikely), or are they double dipping for FMD?