News release

Reduced Ambulance Fees in Effect July 1

Health and Wellness

The province is reducing ambulance fees for Nova Scotians living in licensed long-term care facilities or who have reduced mobility, effective Sunday, July 1.

The change improves emergency care for thousands of Nova Scotians and fulfills a key commitment of Better Care Sooner.

The fee to transport nursing home and residential care facility residents to hospital will be reduced to $50, from $134.52. The fee for those unable to travel by conventional vehicle, and need an ambulance to get to medically necessary appointments, will be reduced to $100, from $168.14.

"I'm pleased that this new fee reduction is now in place," said Health and Wellness Minster David Wilson. "Nova Scotia's most vulnerable citizens should not have to think about how much money is in their wallet before calling an ambulance."

People with low incomes will also be eligible for lower ambulance fees, beginning Sept. 1.

Most Nova Scotians with a valid health card pay $134.52 for emergency transport to a hospital.

For more information on ambulance fees, visit http://gov.ns.ca/health/ehs/fee.asp .