By Amanda Pavlik
WDTV News
Copyright 2008 WDTV

TAYLOR COUNTY, W.V. — The rising price of fuel is causing a crunch in the budgets of several businesses, especially some local EMS agencies.

Unlike other emergency agencies that get government funding, emergency squads are funded through levies and billing insurance companies. The levy money funds the workers salaries, leaving insurance fees to pay for equipment, supplies, and fuel. But that can leave for a tight budget.

Some insurance companies will only pay a fixed rate no matter what treatment the patient is given. And if a patient doesn't have insurance or can't pay, the squad eats the cost.

Full Story: Rising fuel costs may result in cuts in other areas, officials say