San José First Responder Fee Launches 1/1/2026

Starting January 1, 2026, the San José Fire Department will begin its First Responder Fee Program. When our firefighters provide paramedic-level medical services, a fee of $427 will be billed to insurance to help offset the significant cost of personnel, equipment, and supplies needed for advanced medical response.

This aligns SJFD with more than 20 fire agencies across California that have already implemented similar programs, including San Francisco, Sacramento, Sonoma County, Long Beach, and Anaheim. SJFD responds to more than 68,000 medical-only emergencies each year, in addition to fires, hazardous materials incidents, vehicle accidents, and rescues with medical components.

With 34 fire stations across San José, SJFD first responders often arrive at medical emergencies before an ambulance and begin assessment and treatment when every second counts. Every fire apparatus in the City of San José is equipped with advanced medical equipment and staffed with at least one licensed paramedic.

Patients will not be billed directly, regardless of insurance status. Billing occurs between a third-party billing service, Wittman Enterprises, and the patient's health or auto insurance, depending on the incident. If insurance information is not collected at the time of treatment, a letter will be mailed requesting that information or confirming no insurance coverage.

If you're experiencing a medical emergency, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1.

Learn more about the new First Responder Fee Program: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/fire-department/about-sjfd/first-responder-fees