Overview
The financing of rural EMS is a problem because of the relatively low volume of calls in relationship to the essential overhead costs of full-time preparedness. In addition, the traditional reliance on volunteer personnel in many areas, with little or no infrastructure for collecting fees or maintaining the business functions, contributes to the challenge. Payment for EMS by Medicare fluctuates widely cross the country, but rural receive the lowest reimbursement. This section focuses on how to develop sustainable funding streams from diverse sources, billing strategies, management of resources, facilities, and equipment to ensure a solid financial foundation to support EMS in a rural community.
EMS System Funding
Federal Resources
State & Local Resources
- Wisconsin Community Fund
- Wisconsin EMS Funding Assistance Program
- Wisconsin Rural Hospital Flexibility Rural Community Grants
- Rural Emergency Medical Services Frequent User Project
Foundations & Private Resources
Resource Management
Independent Sector – Value of Volunteer Time
- Group Purchases Discounts