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Ill. ambulance companies hurt by cash flow problems

Increasing number of patients on state-funded programs contributes to dilemma

By Arnold Wyrick
KFVS 12

CARBONDALE, Ill. — In Jackson County, Illinois, the ambulance company covers more than six hundred square miles and at times they have to transport patients to out of state hospitals.

The director of the Jackson County Ambulance service says their reimbursement costs are way below their actual costs.

“The federal government is currently paying 6% less to the state then what it cost us to transport Medicare and Medicaid patients in 2004,” said Dottie Miles.

Full story: Director: Operating costs have gone up faster than reimbursements