Administrative Rules

Adopted by Fullerton City Council on May 7, 2024

Introduction

These guidelines have been adopted by the City Council of the City of Fullerton to govern the City’s Paramedic Subscription Program.

Program Overview

The Paramedic Subscription Program is available on a voluntary (“opt-in”) basis. The Program provides eligible Households, Businesses, and Non-Resident Students the option to enroll and pay a flat annual fee, reducing the risk of out-of-pocket expenses for emergency medical services provided by the City.

Enrollment in the Program is not required to receive EMS/paramedic services from the City’s Fire Department. Enrollment does not alter the service fees charged by the City. Fees are charged to a patient (and their insurance, if any) regardless of Program enrollment. Enrollment waives eligible out-of-pocket expenses for emergency medical services, but not for basic ambulance transportation or mileage charges.

Definitions

• Business: A person (or business entity) with a business license from the City, operating from a permanent physical location within the City, employing one or more individuals.
• Eligible Employee: An employee who works primarily at the business's physical location within the City. This includes sole proprietors or partners working at least half-time at the location.
• Enrollee: A Household, Non-Resident Student, or Business enrolled in the Program for a Program Year.
• Household: All individuals living in the same dwelling unit or hotel/motel room as their primary residence. Each person in a congregate care facility (e.g., nursing home) constitutes a separate Household.
• Non-Resident Student: An individual attending an accredited educational institution within Fullerton, not residing permanently within the City limits.
• Program Year: A period from July 1 of one year to June 30 of the following year.

Eligibility Criteria

Only Households, Non-Resident Students, and Businesses may enroll in the Program.

• Households: Must have their primary residence in Fullerton.
• Non-Resident Students: Must be full-time students at an accredited institution in Fullerton.
• Businesses: Must operate a permanent location in Fullerton and have a valid business license.

The Fire Department will verify eligibility before granting enrollment, requiring evidence such as a utility bill, lease documents, business license, or proof of school enrollment. Guidelines for acceptable forms of evidence will be provided.

Households where all members are enrolled in Medi-Cal or a Medicaid program are ineligible.

Fees

Fees are as adopted by the City Council and listed in the City’s Comprehensive Fee Schedule. Fees must be paid annually by each Enrollee.

Businesses must pay one fee per every ten Eligible Employees, covering all Eligible Employees at the location. Additional fees apply if the number of Eligible Employees increases during the Program Year.

Enrollment and Changes in Enrollment

Enrollment begins on May 1 before the start of the Program Year (e.g., May 1, 2025, for the year starting July 1, 2025).

Enrollment is considered complete on the latest of the following:

• Receipt of a valid enrollment form
• Receipt of the required fee
• The first day of the Program Year

Enrollment forms can be submitted via postal mail, in-person, or through alternative methods such as the City’s website, telephone, or email.

Fees may be paid via utility billing, with enrollment retroactively effective from the date of form receipt or the first day of the membership year.

Enrollees relocating within Fullerton during the Program Year can transfer enrollment to the new address. Notify the Fire Department of any address changes to maintain accurate records. No refunds are provided if relocating outside the City or if becoming ineligible during the Program Year.

Effect of Participation

The City will waive out-of-pocket portions of Emergency Medical Services fees for eligible services. These fees do not include ambulance transportation or mileage rates.

Eligible services are those provided by the Fire Department to an enrolled Household member, an Eligible Employee at the business location, or an enrolled Non-Resident Student. Guests, visitors, or customers of Enrollees are not covered.

Recipients must provide insurance information, authorize billing to their insurance, and cooperate with billing requests to receive fee waivers. If uninsured, the City waives the entire fee.

Enrollee Accountability

Households must identify members upon request. Businesses must identify Eligible Employees. Information must be provided under penalty of perjury if requested. Misrepresentation or fraudulent claims can result in enrollment revocation.

Data Privacy and Records Management

The City uses encryption and secure data storage to protect subscriber data, in accordance with Federal, State, and City policies.

Program Administration and Disputes

The City is committed to resolving issues promptly and fairly. Subscribers may submit disputes or appeals in writing to the Fullerton Fire Department at 312 East Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832, Attention: Paramedic Subscription Program Dispute. Include the nature of the dispute, relevant details, and desired resolution. Disputes will be reviewed and, if necessary, escalated to the City Manager for resolution. Responses will be provided within 30 days of receipt.