Securing EMS Resources

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

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
• Grants.gov
• Rural Assistance Center – EMS Section

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

• Local Initiative Funding Partners Program
• W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Resource Management

Independent Sector – Value of Volunteer Time

• Group Purchases Discounts
  • North Central EMS Cooperative

Technical Assistance

• Rural Health Resource Center
• Rural Ambulance Services: Budget Model

Third-Party Reimbursement

Medicare Fee Schedule

• Ambulance Fee Schedule, CMS

Facilities & Equipment

Communications Equipment

• Wisconsin EMS Communications Plan