From Roger Schumacher

Monroe

To the Editor:

I want to advise the citizens of Monroe, WI of the horrific charges that occur if you call 911 and do not go to the hospital with them.

I learned a very expensive lesson this summer. I experienced very severe chest pains on two occasions on the same day. I am a heart patient so the paramedics checked me out and by the time they were finished I was feeling better. I did not feel the need to go by ambulance to the hospital. My wife drove me by car.

I had been told that if a person calls 911 and does not go to the hospital by ambulance, there would be a charge of $400.

The first statement I received stated I owed $1,000. I thought the price had risen and if each call was $500 — two calls would be $1,000.

The next statement I received did not acknowledge a $100 check I had sent. I proceeded to call the number on the statement and the person I talked with informed me I had two bills for the same day of $1,000 each. Hence $2,000. I was flabbergasted to say the least. I think this is outrageous.

I went to the EMS building in Monroe twice to discuss the billing. I was treated very rudely and not a bit helpful. He told me the billing is all done in Wheeling, IL, and that this man is retiring.

I can pay this outrageous bill but what about the poor, elderly people that reside in our community?

Where will these charges end?