The Government of Saskatchewan is raising fees on air ambulances throughout the province. Air Ambulances include critical care services which is fixed wing aircraft out of Saskatoon and STARS air ambulance. The government anticipates the new rates that will become effective July 1st, that will contribute around $300,000 to revenue, to help cover the cost of the services. Each year it is part of the budget process to evaluate expenditures and fees. The last time the fee was increased was about 15 years ago, the province was spending approximately 3 million dollars. The budget has increased during that time to about $25 million. Even with the graduated increase to help cover the costs the province will still be contributing around 90% of the budgets to air ambulances.

Each year between STARS and fixed wing air ambulances, around 2200 patients are helped by the services.

Deb Jordan, Executive Director of Acute and Emergency Services, Saskatchewan Ministry of Health went on to say because the province has coverage programs in place for individuals on assistance or other programs, there's probably about 1600-1650 invoices sent out each year. This goes to show that the province takes steps to ensure those that may be most vulnerable from an economic standpoint are covered.

The charges going up $1 per full mile for 3rd party insurers. For patients it's increasing from $350 to $385.

Deb Jordan also mentioned she wanted to be clear that the arrangement that the province has with STARS, the ministry invoices for air services. This is not a charge that STARS is initiating.