VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach has been the only local city that does not charge for ambulance rides, but it is one step closer to changing that policy, as City Council on Tuesday passed a resolution allowing officials to begin preparations for a billing system known as "compassionate billing." Council resolution to pave way for VB ambulance fees approved The program aims to offset the rising costs of emergency medical services while minimizing financial impact on residents. Under the proposal, Virginia Beach EMS would bill insurance, Medicare and Medicaid for ambulance transports. City officials estimate the program could bring in at least $14 million annually, with revenue primarily coming from insurance companies. Currently, Virginia Beach residents are not charged for ambulance rides, but that could change under this new plan. While the goal is to collect funds from third-party payers, residents could still receive a bill if the program is approved. "Whether a person has insurance or not, or what ability they may have to pay will not have an impact on the patient care they receive," said Virginia Beach EMS Chief Jason Stroud. "We're still going to provide the best possible patient care and emergency medical services that we can for those that do not have insurance. "If City Council does adopt a billing policy, they would still receive a bill for that medical transport. However, City Council can also choose a policy that would alleviate any collections and allow us to write off that debt. So, in theory there would be no out-of-pocket expenses." Stroud also added that the new revenue would help cover increased expenses for EMS services and support volunteer rescue squads. He said the cost of providing emergency medical services in Virginia Beach has nearly doubled in recent years, with expenses for the city’s 10 volunteer rescue squads rising 30% to 40% in the last two to three years. If ultimately approved, the city said the billing system would take six to nine months to roll out. City Council is expected to vote on the proposal in May 2025. Until then, EMS services will continue to operate as usual, and no patient will be denied emergency care regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.