The BH Wellness Network will help reduce costs for emergency services provided by the Beverly Hills Fire Department for a $90 annual fee. (photo by Tabor Brewster)

It’s no secret that life-saving medical care in the U.S. can be costly. For many facing a sudden medical emergency, an ambulance ride alone can result in thousands of dollars not covered by insurance, often in a surprise bill. According to a 2022 study by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, California has the highest median out-of-pocket ambulance bill at $1,209. To ease the expenses for residents, the city of Beverly Hills and Beverly Hills Fire Department are introducing a cost-reducing program called the BH Wellness Network. For $90 a year, the city will cover costs of paramedic services left uncovered by insurance. 

Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton said the program started as a collaboration between the fire department and the city. 

“The mayor and I had some conversations. The mayor wanted to find out a way to ensure that the community wasn’t worried about paying bills but still receiving the emergency medical services needed,” Barton said. “This was one of her thoughts and her initiatives that she brought up that she really wanted to move forward with.” 

The program covers emergency medical services provided by the BHFD within city limits, and includes transportation to area hospitals such as Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health and Kaiser Permanente. 

“We got a lot of calls from residents expressing concern about their bills,” Nazarian said. “We were trying to brainstorm and the chief came up with this plan to be able to help address that.” 

Nazarian recounted the experience of one resident who called emergency services after her husband fell and she could not help him back up. After paramedics arrived and provided immediate assistance, the woman was shocked to see a $1,000 bill. Nazarian said the $90 annual rate in comparison to the high cost of emergency services is a way to provide residents with affordable medical care. 

“It’s really a remarkable gift that we are offering to our community because we want it to be as equitable and as fair as possible, and to have everybody get the care that they need,” Nazarian said. 

All Beverly Hills residents are eligible to enroll in the program. Residents who are uninsured can enroll for a $150 reduction in paramedic services.  

Households that enroll in the BH Wellness Network will be covered for every individual that lives at the address. Tenants of apartment buildings can sign up on a per-unit basis. 

Registration for the program began on Dec. 1 for the 2026 calendar year. Coverage will begin on Jan. 1, 2026. Residents can enroll at any time from now throughout 2026, and will be covered until Dec. 31, 2026. 

For information and to enroll, visit beverlyhills.org/1685/bh-wellness-network.