the very moderate membership fee of $100/yr (one adult), $175/yr (couple), plus $50/yr/child includes the opportunity to apply for reimbursement of up to $500/yr/member for ambulance services.

i point this out to indicate that alternative forms of coverage are available in the community. this is not to say, however, that i support privatization of the town’s emergency services. my opinion is that taxpayer-provided ambulance service is a social good — as is membership in the ithaca health alliance, particularly by those who are covered by more robust policies and can afford to foster this burgeoning, community-driven approach to healthcare for those whose options are meager.