Legislation and Funding
Legislation and funding issues always affect EMS budgets and operations. Use this topic to find out how the latest economic news is affecting EMS.
Why post-crash care matters: 42% of patients alive at EMS arrival die later
Millions in funding are now available to support prevention, treatment and recovery programs
Despite CMS’s comprehensive cost findings, MedPAC’s selective data edits paint a distorted picture — risking the financial future of thousands of ambulance services
Less than 18 months into a $30M contract, Sonoma County Fire District is pushing for a major ambulance rate increase, citing rising labor costs and payer mix challenge
The MEDS Act would fund essential supplies, study EMS workforce needs and formalize EMS in federal healthcare law
Hillsboro EMS in Pocahontas County is closing permanently, citing high costs, regulatory challenges and a volunteer shortage
Officials broke ground on a $16M EMS station in South Boston, one of the city’s fastest-growing neighborhoods
One paramedic’s earnings in ’24 topped $358K, highlighting concerns over sustainability
The county begins erasing $183 million in medical debt, with plans to cancel up to $2 billion through its new relief program
A resolution drafted by 17-year-old Kaylee Hampton calls for a statewide study of emergency medical services, aiming to assess future needs and explore funding options
Broward County commissioners have backed a proposal allowing non-critical ambulance patients to request transport to a preferred hospital within 10 miles
Lawmakers reached a deal to end balance billing, adopting a temporary tiered rate structure that resolves a months-long dispute between the House and Senate
Controversial bills from Rep. Mark Pless failed to pass in chambers, bringing relief to emergency medical professionals who feared weakened standards
Ulster County has approved a funding plan boosting ambulance services, offering targeted support, performance incentives and EMS oversight
Lancaster EMS opened its $6 million headquarters while recognizing the critical role of CPR training and a strong emergency response system
The International Association of EMS Chiefs calls for national recognition of EMS professionals’ life-saving work and leadership in public safety
Cass County’s EMS director sought $290,000 in pay raises over two years to retain and attract paramedics and EMTs, funded through billing, not taxpayer dollars
FEMA’s planned shift of disaster recovery duties comes as the Trump administration pushes to downsize federal operations, 17 days ahead of a hurricane season expected to bring above-average storm activity
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admitted it was a mistake to cut staff from the World Trade Center Health Program but stopped short of promising to fully restore staffing
With Crozer Health facilities closed, Delaware County declared a state of emergency as hospital access dropped from 95% to 87% of residents living within five miles of care
FEMA’s new acting chief, a former Marine, warned staff not to resist upcoming changes and signaled a shift of more responsibility to states during a blunt first meeting
Honolulu unveiled 16 new and refurbished EMS vehicles—including its first MCI bus—to enhance emergency response across Oahu, with each rig blessed in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony
Evansville leaders say the move will modernize services, integrate EMS with fire operations and cut ambulance costs by 20%
The bill would cover tuition for paramedics, firefighters and other first responders after six years of service and their dependents after 10 years
A $2.7 million training facility in Centre County is now on hold after Congress froze federal community project funds, costing the project $2.1 million in planned support
With volunteer staffing no longer sustainable, Rockport is negotiating with a third-party provider to ensure full-time ambulance coverage
A $250 million gap divides Gov. Hochul and state legislators over urgently needed upgrades to Upstate University Hospital’s overcrowded ED
Mount Pleasant, N.C. was set to receive $4 million for storm protection and revitalization before FEMA scrapped the BRIC program, leaving critical projects in limbo nationwide.
Wapello County residents are raising questions about the future of EMS, with key decisions heading to voters
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