We were fortunate to have Ken with us today to discuss funding/finances for EMS services.
Ever wonder how those services are paid for?? They are a 501 c3 and DO have a fund raiser yearly but it never covers the need. Annual budget for EMS is about 5.8 million annually. Even though they are a "fee for service " organization, it never covers the cost of ambulance services.
- Did you know?
- If a patient is taken to a hospital, EMS will get paid
- If a patient refuses transport, EMS doesn't get paid
- It is a challenge to get paid! Insurance Co. send the payment to the insured and NOT to EMS. When Ems attempts to get the payment, they often find out the person spent the money on something else. About .25 mil is lost when people don't pay EMS from the insurance payment
- Sadly, EMS still has to pay for supplies, ambulance upkeep and staff!
- Our EMS does have payment plans and there is a hardship program (this must be applied for to qualify)
- EMT pay for entry level is about $20/hour; veteran EMTs can make as much as $38/hour. Many are leaving due to pay when they can get much better pay at different jobs. And yes, paying for staff is part of the budget.
- So when you get that fundraising mail, don't throw it away. Make a donation or go to the website and donate http://www.sars.org