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98600 Overseas Highway Key Largo, FL 33037 Phone: (305) 451-2766 Fax: (305) 451-6211
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The Upper Keys Health Care Taxing District, commonly referred to as the Trauma District, was created by ordinance in 1988 to ensure rapid transport and transfer of trauma alert victims to an appropriate state certified trauma center, currently Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center or Miami Children’s Hospital in Dade County. The district reaches from the Dade-Monroe County line (MM 113) south through Layton to the north end of the Long Key Bridge (MM 65).
Voters supported the referendum that originally created three Trauma Districts and the associated tax rate. However, the plan was only implemented in the Upper Keys. A half-cent tax was collected from 1988 to 1992. In 1992, voters again supported the tax which was a quarter-cent. The tax has not been collected since 1995; the District currently relies upon the remaining balance plus interest to continue its operation.
The Trauma District is the payer of last resort for unfunded patient care and staff uses every possible option (Medicare, Medicaid, personal, auto, or boat insurance, etc.) to secure funding for that care. If none is available, agreements are in place to pay at Medicaid rates. Additionally, the District has purchased ambulances and appropriate trauma/medical equipment, including the Jaws of Life for all of the Emergency Services within this taxing district.
The ordinance dictated that the District have an Advisory Board in place to make budgetary and procedural recommendations to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners in reference to matters concerning the Upper Keys Health Care Taxing District.
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