EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES- K. MANGANO

Approve 5-year contract with American Medical Response for 911 ambulance services in San Benito County for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2026.

SBC FILE NUMBER: 1068

American Medical Response (AMR) has been the contracted 911 ambulance provider for the Exclusive Operating Area (EOA) in San Benito County since they took over emergency services for its predecessor company Stephens & Poletti in the early 90s.  AMR’s performance and compliance to the previous agreements has continuously met all the contractual requirements.  The current agreement, an extension to the contract that expired June 30, 2020, expires June 30, 2021.

The new agreement contains exciting updates for our County’s EMS system including three new, front line ambulances and the addition of First Watch, a public safety data analytics and improvement tool, which will provide alerts and information to help improve response and efficiency in the EMS system.

In addition to conforming with State law, this agreement with AMR provides emergency medical care and transportation for residents and visitors of San Benito County regardless of their ability to pay.

AMR bills for their services, per the contract’s rate schedule, as approved by the County.  It is a condition of this contract with AMR that those without insurance are either charged based on their ability to pay or have their charges eliminated.

Within 24-months, AMR agrees to coordinate and implement an air and ground ambulance membership program for the residents of San Benito County.  This program will will assist by discharging part of the financial liability not covered by ambulance service benefits of the patients insurance.  

San Benito County EMS Agency and AMR wish to enter into an Agreement to continue provisions of services and provide for the period of July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2026 for ambulance services in San Benito County, providing the highest level of care to our citizens.  This contract establishes a five-year term, with an option to extend the agreement for up to two (2) 30-month periods, or a maximum of ten years, an exclusive operating area, and the schedule of fees paid to AMR.

Contracting issues:

Please note that AMR did not agree to the County's standard contract term relating to insurance, which in essence requires that an insurance policy provider shall provide notice to the County at least 30 days in advance of any change, cancellation or non-renewal.  Contractor did agree to the following language: "Contractor shall provide a 30-day notice to be given to the County prior to cancellation, modification or reduction in limits." This requires (and relies) on the Contractor to notify the County if this this occurs.  

We respectfully request the Board of Supervisors:

1.  Enter into a 5-year contract with American Medical Response for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2026.

2.  Authorize the Chair of the Board to sign the contract.