effective March 1, 2026

ALS1 Emergency Base Rate = $3,725

ALS1 Non-Emergency Base Rate = $3,237

ALS2 Emergency Base Rate = $3,900

ALS2 Non-Emergency Base Rate = $3,458

BLS Emergency Rate = $2,431

BLS Non-Emergency Rate = $2,210

Mileage (per transport mile) = $104

Oxygen = $111

EKG (Standard & 12-Lead) = $130

Night Fee (7pm – 7am) = $130

Ambulance Rate Update: What Residents Should Know

On February 24, 2026, the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors approved a rate adjustment for Del Puerto Health Care District’s ambulance services. This is the first adjustment in nearly a decade – the last rate increase occurred in 2017.

The updated rates bring DPHCD’s ambulance services in line with other local providers and better reflect the real costs of delivering emergency medical care. This helps ensure the District can continue to respond quickly, safely, and reliably when residents need emergency services.

Most patients will not pay more out-of-pocket.

Thanks to California Assembly Bill 716, which went into effect in 2024:

• Patients are only responsible for their normal insurance cost-sharing (such as copays or deductibles).
• Patients cannot be balance-billed for the difference between what insurance pays and the ambulance provider’s full charge.
• Uninsured patients will not be charged more than what Medicare pays for ambulance service.

What this means for the community:

Even though ambulance rates are increasing, most patients will not see higher out-of-pocket costs. Insurance providers, not patients, will absorb the majority of the rate change. Further, these rates only apply to individuals who use emergency ambulance services. This is not a community-wide fee, tax, or general charge, and it is not spread across residents.

Our goal is to ensure that access to emergency care is never delayed or avoided because of fear of cost. DPHCD is committed to working compassionately with patients and families to navigate billing concerns, explore financial assistance programs, and identify flexible payment options when available.

This adjustment helps ensure the long-term stability of local emergency medical services, so high-quality care is available when our community needs it most.