Title
Report recommending that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the write-off of $675,213.62 in uncollectible ambulance billing accounts receivable. (Richard Walls, EMS Chief)
label
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the write-off of $675,213.62 in uncollectable ambulance billing accounts receivable.
Body
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The purpose of this staff report is to recommend that City Council write-off the balances of 419 uncollectable ambulance billing accounts, totaling $675,213.62. Since December 2015, the South San Francisco Fire Department (SSFFD) and Finance Department have implemented accounting practices that allow for periodic financial reviews and write-offs by Council. Once all accounts have been processed by our primary and secondary billing contractors, the remaining outstanding balances are then forwarded to SSFFD for write-off consideration.
It is the goal of the SSFFD to regularly report the status of these accounts. Accounts that have been vetted and no longer have recoverable revenue will be recommended for write-off. With regular reporting we anticipate a more consistent number of accounts and write-off balance.
Attachment 1, Recommended Write-Off Summary, summarizes the accounts by year. Using procedures put in place, and with the assistance of City Council, staff has worked to greatly reduce the number of uncollectable accounts, decreasing the accumulated aged accounts balance. This write-off request is the first since September 28, 2022, and is part of our plan to present these accounts to Council on a regular, recurring basis.
This request also includes three hardship waivers, totaling $2,961. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services require a process for writing off financial hardship. In December of 2015, Council approved our process.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
This Staff Report is related to Strategic Plan Initiative 5 in that it is pursuing financial stability to support City operations.
RACIAL AND SOCIAL EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Write-offs are processed for any stale account but are most likely comprised of people who are uninsured and people who have insurance but cannot afford a copayment. These write-offs benefit patients who are low-income and/or unemployed as well as the unhoused and elderly populations. This batch of accounts includes three patients who have completed hardship waiver applications, which confirm that they are low-income. By writing off accounts, we allow people in the aforementioned groups to eliminate medical bills and redirect their funds to other pressing needs.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to write off $675,213.62 in uncollectable ambulance billing accounts receivable.
Attachment: Recommended Write-Off Summary