EMS Frequent Asked Questions

Who do I call if I have a medical emergency?

9-1-1 is always the number to call in an emergency.

For questions regarding the EMS Subscription Program coverage or to enroll in the EMS Subscription Program please contact the DWP Customer Care Division at (951) 736-2321.

For questions regarding an existing bill for EMS services already provided by the Corona Fire Department please contact Administrative Services at (951) 736-2317.

What is the EMS Subscription Program?

The EMS Subscription Program is a program designed to protect Corona citizens and businesses from out-of-pocket expenses related to emergency care provided by the Corona Fire Department. The subscription program assures residents and businesses of the City of Corona, the same high level of service and care without additional out of pocket cost if you should have the misfortune of a medical emergency.

What does the membership fee cover?

The EMS Subscription Program membership protects members from any out-of-pocket expenses related to medical treatment provided by the Corona Fire Department.

It does not cover ambulance transportation cost, as this is billed by the private company ambulance provider separate from the City of Corona.

I am retired and only have Medicare/ Medical coverage: should I enroll in the EMS Subscription Program?

Yes, you should definitely enroll. Medicare does not cover the cost of pre-hospital medical treatment provided by the Fire Department.

Why do we need an EMS Subscription Program in Corona?

To provide a valuable benefit to the residents and businesses of the City of Corona. The resolution adopted by the City Council which established the user fee for emergency medical services provided by the fire department, also established the EMS subscription program to protect Corona residents and business from out-of-pocket expenses related to emergency care provided by the Corona Fire Department.

I pay property taxes. Why don't my tax dollars pay for medical services?

The Corona Fire Department is funded through taxes to provide fire protection. As the costs of EMS services and equipment to provide these services have increased, there has never been additional revenue sources established to cover the costs of these vital services.

As a resident, how do I enroll in the EMS Subscription Program?

If you are a resident of Corona and you receive a Utility bill from the City of Corona, you may choose to enroll on a monthly basis and pay $5.00 per month on your bill. You may withdraw at any time from the program or your membership will end with the cancellation of your water service. If you do not receive a City of Corona water bill and you wish to participate in the program you must complete an enrollment form, return it to the Corona Fire Department, and pay the $60 yearly fee or you may subscribe on the internet at https://www.coronaca.gov/government/departments-divisions/fire-department/programs-and-services/ems-subscriptions. For questions regarding the EMS Subscription Program coverage or to enroll in the EMS Subscription Program please contact the DWP Customer Care Division at (951) 736-2321.

When is open enrollment for the program?

Open enrollment is from May 1st to June 30th of each year.

If I miss the enrollment deadline, may I still join?

Yes, you may join at any time.

Does the subscription fee include the cost of the ambulance?

No. A separate/private company provides ambulance service apart from the City of Corona. The Corona Fire Department does not provide ambulance transportation.

Do I get a member identification card once I join the EMS Subscription Program?

No. Your EMS Subscription Program membership is confirmed by your home address. This is why it is very important for members to notify the Corona Fire Department of any address changes.

Who is covered under the membership fee?

For residential subscribers, all permanent residents of a subscriber's household are covered. For business subscribers, all employees are covered during business hours, anywhere in the City of Corona.

Is there a discounted membership fee or reduced fee for low-income families?

One of the purposes of this program is to provide an alternative to paying for the cost of medical services. The monthly fee of $5.00 is itself the reduced membership fee.

Any household where combined gross income of all members of the patient's residence is at or below the then current federal poverty levels established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services for the applicable household size is exempt from medical fees, please call (951) 736-2317 for more information.

Why do I need to join if I already have medical insurance?

When the Corona Fire Department charges for treatment, there is no guarantee that your insurance company will cover the charges. The charges may be denied or only partially paid, or your deductible or cap limit may result in an unpaid balance for which you are responsible. As an EMS Subscription Program member, you don't have those worries since you are not responsible for any out-of-pocket costs. You will not receive a bill. Belonging to the EMS Subscription Program gives you peace of mind in not having to worry whether your insurance will pay the medical bill. The $60 annual fee is only a fraction of most insurance companies' deductibles.

What happens if I am not an EMS Subscription Program member and I use the paramedic service?

Whether or not you are an EMS Subscription Program member, you will always receive the highest level of emergency care. As a non-EMS Subscription Program member, however, you will be billed for the services. You may give the bill to your insurance company but you will be ultimately responsible for all service charges. There is no guarantee that your insurance will pay in full for the treatment that you received as health insurance plans vary.

If I decide not to enroll, will I receive the same quality of service as program members?

Yes. Corona residents and visitors receive the same high-quality service as in the past. Membership in the program will NOT change the level of care. Corona Paramedics will respond to every emergency medical call.

If I decide not to join the EMS Subscription Program, what are the charges for medical service?

The assessment fee for medical services is currently $400.00 as established by Resolution of the City Council and the City Fee Ordinance.

If I join the program and move to another part of the city am I still covered?

Yes. You must notify the Corona Fire Department EMS Subscription Program of your new address.

If I join the program and then move from Corona will my fee by refunded?

No. The fee is non-refundable.

Does the subscription cover members of my household outside the City of Corona?

No. Members are only covered within the City of Corona.

What if I belong to a paramedic membership program in another city?

The Corona Fire Department EMS Subscription Program does not have reciprocity with programs of other cities.

What if someone gets hurt at my house?

Your EMS Subscription Program membership does not extend to guests at your house. The EMS Subscription Program is only available to permanent residents of the household.

Is non-emergency ambulance transportation covered to or from a hospital, doctor's office, rehab facility or retirement home?

No. The Corona Fire Department does not provide ambulance service. This service is provided by a private company throughout the County of Riverside.

What is the cost of an ambulance bill?

The Corona Fire Department does not provide this service and we have no control over the fees charged by the private company providing transportation.

Why did I receive a $400.00 bill?

On November 20, 2018, the Corona City Council amended resolution 2004-31 with an effective date of January 19, 2019. This amendment established a user fee of $400.00 for EMS services provided by the Fire Department.