Tulsa EMSAcare enrollment offers emergency ambulance coverage

A program that can save residents thousands of dollars in emergency medical bills is opening for enrollment.

Enrollment Period Open Through August

August 1 marks the start of the city’s open enrollment period for EMSAcare, a service that covers the out-of-pocket cost of emergency ambulance rides. Tulsa residents have until August 31 to enroll or make changes to their EMSAcare participation through the city.

Enrollment is expected to become available later in the day. More details and FAQs can be found at emsaok.gov/emsacare.

How EMSAcare Works

The program costs $5.45 per month, which is added to a participant’s monthly city water bill. That small fee can potentially eliminate hefty ambulance bills that often follow emergencies.

Even insured patients may face high out-of-pocket costs for ambulance transport—EMSAcare covers 100% of the bill, as long as the transport ends at a hospital emergency room.

More details on membership terms are available here.

Who Is Eligible and How to Enroll

Residents who don’t pay their own water bills—such as renters or those living in multi-family housing—can still participate by enrolling directly through EMSA for a one-time annual fee. That fee provides the same year-round coverage.

Enrollment options and instructions for non-utility account holders can be found here.

Participation and Savings

City officials say about 70% of Tulsa households currently participate in EMSAcare. Over the past five years, the program has helped residents save more than $55 million on emergency medical transport.

How to Opt Out

Enrollment in EMSAcare is automatic for Tulsa utility account holders unless they choose to opt out during the enrollment period. This is the only time of year residents can make changes to their EMSAcare status.