Clinton Area Ambulance Service Authority Director Lynn Weber is raising concerns about a funding crisis he says has forced his agency to make difficult cuts — and he’s calling on Michigan to follow 20 other states in reforming how commercial insurance companies reimburse emergency medical services.
- Clinton Area Ambulance has cut leadership staffing and pay amid a growing funding crisis.
- Medicare and Medicaid — which cover most calls — only reimburse about half the cost of care.
- The agency is asking municipalities to raise per-capita fees from $17 to $22 per neighbor.
WATCH: Clinton ambulance service faces serious funding crisis
Clinton ambulance service faces serious funding crisis
Weber said the agency has already reduced leadership staffing and pay in response to the financial strain.
“We’ve cut leadership positions. We’ve cut the pay of our leadership team,” Weber said.
At the heart of the problem is how EMS agencies are reimbursed for their services. Angela Madden, executive director of the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services, said federal law requires EMS agencies to respond to and treat patients regardless of their ability to pay — but the programs that cover most of those calls don’t come close to covering the cost…