Opt out for TotalCare ends Sept. 30

(September 25, 2009) - Oklahoma City residents have until Sept. 30 to opt out of the City’s new TotalCare ambulance program.

The program, which begins Oct. 1, waives out-of-pocket expenses for EMSA emergency ambulance rides given to permanent members of participant’s home, regardless of their age or relationship to the utility account holder.   

Those who don’t want to take advantage of TotalCare benefits can opt out by calling Utility Customer Service at 297-2833 or by logging on to their online utility account at www.okc.gov. 

By opting out, Oklahoma City residents may be responsible for out-of- pocket expenses associated with treatment.   Utility customers will have the opportunity to opt out or into the program each September.

Unless residents opt out, households in Oklahoma City will automatically be enrolled in the program, and the $3.65 charge will show up on residents’ water and trash utility bill beginning in October. 

Apartment, duplex and mobile home park owners will also be automatically enrolled in TotalCare, but at a discount. The cost of participation depends on the number of units on the property.  The number of occupied and unoccupied units will be divided in half to reflect variances in occupancy.  A property with 75 units will only pay for 37 units at $3.65 per unit - $135.05 monthly.   

Property owners are required to notify tenants if they choose opt out.  If the property owner opts out, tenants can call 396-2888 to sign up at the same rate homeowners pay. 

Program details are available on the City’s Web site, www.okc.gov/totalcare.