All residents should have received this information in the mail from John Smith, CEO of UT Health East Texas EMS:

On Wednesday, July 28, UT Health East Texas EMS began providing emergency medical services to Panola County, including the City of Carthage.

As part of this transition, the City of Carthage will no longer accept EMS membership payments through City Water Utilities starting with the September billing cycle. You also will receive a reminder from the City of Carthage in your water bill. In order to ensure continuous EMS membership coverage for you and your family, you will need to subscribe to the UT Health East Texas EMS membership plan. You may do so by visiting : UTHealthEastTexas.com/EMS.

Carthage residents may join for a discounted annual rate of $50 per household. Your  membership will start immediately and will continue for one year with auto renewal available, if  you choose.

Your UT Health East Texas EMS membership protects you from out-of-pocket expenses. It prepays any portion of the ambulance transport charges not covered by insurance or Medicare. Our low annual fee covers you, your spouse and your dependent children living in your residence (those younger than age 21 or 25 if in college) for medically necessary transports by UT Health East Texas EMS ambulances.

UT Health EMS looks forward to serving you and all residents of Carthage and Panola County.

John Smith, CEO, UT Health East Texas EMS