I followed the comments in the paper regarding the recent vote on the Ambulance Tax. Yes, it is a tax despite what our public officials and the editor of the newspaper claim. Primarily, this is a service that should be paid for when it is used. My physician does not charge me a yearly fee (yet) for the privilege of being a patient. I pay my doctor when I require treatment. Why should ambulance service be diff erent?
Blue Cross’ Bronze 6300 policy pays 100 percent of ambulance transfers up to $1,000 per trip. What amount is charged for ambulance transport? I would think health insurance coverage will mitigate most of the transport cost. If not, then show us the numbers! Make your case with facts and not with comments designed to appeal to one’s emotions. Don’t get your feelings hurt if voters don’t believe unverified statements from politicians (once burned, twice shy and all that).
What is needed is a thoughtful approach. Sorry if I don’t excited about paying another tax. We are inundated by many mandatory “fees” already. Giving us another poorly prepared plan will not change my vote on the ambulance tax.
So, Mr. Editor, don’t be surprised when I get angry for being chastised as not knowing what is good for me. Sorry, but I can still think for myself and the ambulance tax smells from where I stand.
STEVE THOMPSON
Bentonville