EMS Lifeline Program

    An emergency call could cost up to $500 for people with or without insurance. EMS lifeline from the Odessa Fire Department will save you 50 to 60% on emergency costs. In this year alone--Odessa Emergency Services turned on their sirens for more than fourteen thousand emergency calls.
But some of those calls cost more than others. Because of EMS Lifeline. "What this program does it is a subscription service that should they need to use an ambulance...their bill is covered," said Assistant Fire Chief Tanner Drake. The Odessa Fire Department has been providing this service for twelve years now.  And people are responding. Just this year, more than twenty-seven hundred homes have signed up. "Its a great benefit to our citizens...should they need to use an ambulance instead of possibly having to pay $400 to $450 for an ambulance bill their $59 covers that," said Drake. That's not per person either. The fifty nine dollars covers  everyone living under one roof, as long as they're related. "Covers 59.00 for each household that they can claim as a dependent," said Drake. The money also helps the fire department right now...buying new boots, hats, gloves, and other equipment. "It is kind of a double benefit because our guys have the greatest technology available and it also gives its citizens a level of protection," said Drake. Now, you don't have to just cut a check right now. You can pay fifty nine dollars at once for a year of coverage. Or, you can spread out the payments, and they'll tack an extra six dollar charge on your water bill.

For more information on the program and to sign up you can go to www.odessa-tv.gov. Or visit the Odessa Fire Department.