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Proposed legislation would pump $120 million into rural EMS
A $120 million infusion of state funds could temporarily prop up struggling ambulance operations across the state - including in Ely.
Proposed legislation in both the State Senate and State House, sponsored and backed by area legislators, would provide $120 million in one-time assistance for emergency medical services across rural Minnesota.
The legislation comes as Ely’s ambulance service faces a financial crisis that threatens its future, and with many other services across the state facing similar circumstances.
The bill had its first reading earlier this week in the Senate, where one of the co-authors is State Sen. Grant Hauschild (D-Hermantown).
In the House, a similar bill is sponsored both by State Rep. Roger Skraba (R-Ely) and State Rep. David Lislegard (D-Aurora).
Hauschild said earlier this week, in an interview from St. Paul, that the measure is an initial step to address the crisis and an attempt to make ambulance services whole after funding from Medicare and Medicaid fell short.
“What this bill is meant to do is highlight the biggest challenge, which is the lack of federal policies providing reimbursements at a proper rate,” said Hauschild.
In the wake of the crisis, an EMS Task Force was formed and held meetings across the state - including in Mt. Iron.
The legislation is expected to be a staring point of discussions to address the needs of EMS providers in Minnesota, and the $120 million figure was arrived at as a result of the task force’s work.
But Hauschild said that the bill, which has bipartisan support, is just part of a larger puzzle.
EMS services face an array of challenges, including the reimbursement shortfalls as well as issues related to attracting and retaining personnel.
That has led to both the financial woes for many ambulance services along with slow response time in some areas.
Hauschild said he hopes the legislation spurs action on other fronts, including new ideas to fund emergency services. Some task force members have suggested that EMS be classified as an essential service, such as police and fire, with a dedicated source of public funding.
“One idea is a county wide fee, to make sure all residents are paying for EMS like they are for other services,” he said.
Hauschild said another idea is the creation of “innovation zones” to provide better and more reliable service, and he suggested creation of a state oversight board and a governor-appointed commissioner to oversee EMS.
He said he’s also hopeful that the current legislation will pass.
“I am one senator but I am absolutely beating the largest drum on this issue,” he said.
The ambulance issue has dominated local political discussions for several months, with Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital commissioning a study to look at options.
Currently, ambulance services locally are provided by the non-profit Ely Area Ambulance Service, but that organization has needed cash infusions from local units of government to stay afloat.
Mayor Heidi Omerza said that rural ambulance issues are at a “boiling point” for groups such as the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.
